Both cause a departure from normal behavior. The animal can either become affectionate or withdrawn. Wild animals that are unusually friendly and appear to have no fear of man or domestic animals should be avoided. With dumb rabies, paralysis, usually of the lower jaw, is the first sign of the disease. The paralysis quickly spreads to limbs and vital organs and death quickly follows.
Rabies is dangerous, deadly, but almost totally preventable by vaccination.
Dogs and cats-An initial rabies vaccination should be given when the animal is 3 to 4 months of age. The duration of protection varies from 1 to 3 years. Regular booster vaccinations are required. A healthy dog does not need to come in direct contact with an infected dog, because the virus can be carried by air currents and inanimate objects. Early signs of canine distemper are similar to those of a severe cold and often go unrecognized by the pet owner.