World Rabies Day is observed on September 28 annually. The day is marked to raise awareness about rabies disease and its preventable measures. Rabies is a virus that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Though preventable, there is good reason that the word “rabies” evokes fear in people.
World Rabies Day 2020 Theme:
The theme for World Rabies Day 2020 is “End Rabies: Collaborate, Vaccinate”. This year’s theme focuses on vaccination and collaboration. In brief, the theme reminds us of key current issues in rabies elimination, namely:
- the goal of Zero by 30,
- the importance of dog vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis and
- the need for a united effort towards achieving the elimination of this transboundary disease.
This annual day of awareness, launched in 2007, helps educate people about the dangers of rabies in North America and around the world.
Here are symptoms of a dog with rabies:
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can affect any cold-blooded animal. There is no cure for rabies, and it is almost always fatal. Once clinical signs occur, an infected animal usually dies within five days.
Vomiting:
Vomiting is often a sign that your dog is fighting off something. While a vomiting dog rarely causes to rush to the hospital for fear of rabies, if you have reason to suspect that your dog is infected, it’s time to head to the vet.
Fever:
Yet another universal symptom that can be attributed to rabies, dogs suffering from the virus often run a fever, as a high temperature is one of the body’s primary responses to a viral infection.
Sensitivity:
Dogs suffering from rabies tend to experience a heightened sensitivity to several things, predominantly light, touch, and sound. Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is the most notable sensitivity, resulting in dogs receding from brightly lit areas and squinting.
Lethargy:
Often the first sign of rabies, if your dog is acting unusually tired or low-energy, it could be a symptom of the onset of rabies.
Odd Behaviour:
When you think of rabies, the first thing that leaps to mind is strange and erratic behavior. Some of these are unchecked aggression, hallucinations, self-mutilation, and unsteadiness.
