Description: Rabies is a highly fatal disease which is caused by a virus and affects all mammals. The dog is an important reservoir of rabies. It is transmitted by the bites of an infected dog. The resulting viral invasion of the body will result in adverse effects on the brain. Rabid animals exhibit bizarre behavior and are aggressive even without the slightest provocation. The onset of the disease goes through three stages—prodromal, excitative, and paralytic stage. Changes in behavior are first observed during the prodromal stage. The excitative stage is also known as the furious stage where the animal is very sensitive to external stimuli and tends to bite any object or animal nearby. The last stage is the paralytic stage where the damage to the neurons causes incoordination, paralysis, swallowing difficulties, drooling and death.

Breeds Commonly Affected: All breeds of dogs are prone to rabies.