If a dog bites you, you may be advised to observe the animal for 14 days.
If the animal develops symptoms, escapes, or dies, you must immediately seek medical advice.
Symptoms of rabies in dogs
Early signs include:
- Loss of appetite and refusal to drink water
- Behavioral changes
Rabies in dogs is divided into two types:
Dumb rabies
- The dog stops eating and behaves as if something is stuck in its throat
- Weakness or paralysis of the legs
- Hiding in dark places
Furious rabies
- Excessive salivation, dilated and red, glowing eyes
- Chewing unusual objects like cage bars or wood
- Aggressively biting anyone nearby
- Refusing food
Dogs with either form usually die within 14 days.
If the dog that bit you shows these symptoms, report to a hospital immediately.
If you love dogs, you must read this!
Rabies, a fatal disease, spreads mainly in Sri Lanka through dog bites.
To understand how to prevent rabies and protect lives, continue reading.
The most important method of prevention is vaccinating dogs properly.
Puppies should receive:
- First dose at 4–6 weeks
- Second dose at 3 months
- Then annual boosters every year
If your dog bites someone, you must provide vaccination records to the doctor. It is your responsibility to keep these records safely.
Vaccinating stray or community dogs in places such as temples, schools, and hospitals is also the responsibility of those who care for them.
If you adopt puppies, ensure the mother dog has been vaccinated.
If you adopt from an unknown source, isolate the puppies for at least one month after vaccination, as they may still carry the virus.
Do not abandon unwanted puppies in public places.
To prevent dog bites:
- Do not pet or feed unfamiliar animals
- Avoid approaching dogs that are eating or with puppies
- Do not run near dogs; move away calmly and avoid them when possible