Rabies is a type of virus in dogs, known as a rhabdovirus, that causes a condition known as acute viral encephalomyelitis. The virus has the ability to infect all types of mammals, and it can be spread from mammal to mammal when infected body fluids, such as blood or saliva, enter the tissues of another mammal usually through bites or in some cases open wounds.
Rabies is transmitted through saliva - primarily via bite wounds. But it can also be spread by infected saliva entering an open cut or wound, or contacting a mucous membrane, such as those in the mouth, nasal cavity or eyes.
The best way to prevent rabies is to be a responsible pet owner and avoid contact with unfamiliar animals. Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs and cats. This requirement is important not only to keep your pets from getting rabies, but also to provide a barrier of protection for you, if your animal is bitten by a rabid wild animal.
Animals with rabies may show a variety of different signs. Most of them relate to the effect of the virus on the brain. Rabies can appear in two basic forms: Dumb rabies and Furious rabies.
If it's a wild animal, stay away from it. Owners of pets and livestock should keep their animals confined in isolation, away from other people and animals. Rabies is a reportable disease. This means that if you suspect that an animal is rabid, or you think that your animal has been exposed to rabies, you are required by law to report it.