Dogs may become restless, aggressive or inactive. Paralysis, convulsions and heavy salivation often occurs before death. Other indications in dogs are voice changes or howling. Dogs tend to bite after the virus reaches their salivary glands. They almost always die within 10 days after salivary glands are infected.
Skunks can carry the virus for months in their saliva without showing symptoms.
Wildlife handlers like biologists and veterinarians may choose to be immunized as a precaution. Recently developed rabies vaccines for humans are simpler and have fewer side affects than previous types. The process requires three injections plus a booster two years later. Upon exposure to rabies virus, a prevaccinated person will typically receive five post-exposure injections. All cats and dogs should be vaccinated against rabies.