What are the first signs of rabies in puppies?

When we spend time with cute puppies, we are full of expectations for their healthy growth. However, there is a terrible disease that threatens the life and health of puppies like a hidden shadow, that is rabies. Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by the rabies virus. Once it occurs, it is almost 100% fatal. This is undoubtedly like a heavy boulder, weighing on the hearts of every dog ​​lover. Understanding the initial symptoms of rabies in puppies has become a key line of defense for us to protect the lives of puppies, allowing us to detect the disease in time when it first appears, and to seize precious opportunities for the health of puppies. ​

When puppies are unfortunately infected with the rabies virus, there will be some subtle but not negligible changes in behavior in the early stages. They may suddenly become quiet and withdrawn, originally lively and curious about the world. Instead of being around you as usual, wagging their tails enthusiastically for petting and playing, they curl up in a corner alone, seemingly losing interest in everything around them. This change in behavior is like a sunny day suddenly covered by dark clouds, making people feel inexplicably worried.

There will also be obvious abnormalities in appetite. Puppies who usually accept all food and eat voraciously begin to lose interest in food. Even if their favorite dog food or snacks are placed in front of them, they will just look at it lazily and ignore it. This loss of appetite is like a stream that was originally flowing happily and suddenly dried up, which is very distressing. At the same time, puppies may also have difficulty swallowing. When they try to drink water or eat, you can see obvious swallowing movements in their throats, but it seems that something is preventing the food or water from entering the esophagus smoothly, and they may even drool more, with long saliva that wets the hair on their chests. ​

The mood swings of puppies will also become extremely intense. They may suddenly become restless for no reason, pacing around the room, with fear and anxiety in their eyes. Even familiar sounds, such as the sound of a door closing or the sound of a TV, can scare them and cause them to quickly hide in a hidden place. On the contrary, some puppies will be overly docile and let others do whatever they want, without the liveliness and resistance they used to have. This extreme change in emotion is like a boat in a storm, swaying and making people feel distressed. ​

In terms of physical condition, the initial symptoms also quietly appear. The puppy's body temperature may rise slightly, and the body may feel slightly hot to the touch. The originally healthy and pink nose becomes dry and hot. Their eyes are no longer bright and clear, but appear a little dull and lifeless, as if they have lost their former glory. When walking, their steps become unstable, as if they are drunk, staggering, and their coordination is much worse than before. These subtle changes in the body are like dangerous signals, warning us of the health crisis of the puppies.​

When puppies are found to have the above suspicious symptoms, every owner's heart seems to be tightly gripped by fear. We love these furry little lives deeply, and watching them suffer from illness, we wish we could bear everything for them. But at this moment, we must remain calm and take the puppies to a professional pet hospital as soon as possible. The doctor will use professional examination methods, such as blood tests, neurological examinations, etc., to accurately determine whether the puppy is infected with rabies virus. If unfortunately diagnosed, although there is currently no effective treatment for rabies, the doctor will give corresponding supportive treatment according to the specific situation of the puppy to alleviate their pain, and will also provide us with professional advice to help us properly handle subsequent matters. ​

Preventing rabies is crucial to the health of puppies. Vaccinating puppies against rabies on time is the most effective way to prevent rabies. It's like putting on a layer of solid armor for puppies, which can resist the invasion of rabies virus. At the same time, try to avoid contact between puppies and wild animals or stray animals of unknown origin to reduce the risk of infection. In daily life, we should always pay attention to the health of puppies, give them enough love and care, and let them grow up in a safe and healthy environment. ​

Puppies are little angels in our lives, and they bring us endless joy and warmth. It is our unshirkable responsibility as owners to understand the initial symptoms of rabies in puppies and actively do a good job of prevention. Let us use love and care to build a solid health defense line for puppies and accompany them through a happy and worry-free growth time.