A myth. The effect of rabies is not limited by age. When one’s pet gets the virus, behavior may be that of a typical violent rascal, and sometimes that of a depressed loner.
There are actually three types of development rabid dogs undergo. The first is called the PRODROMAL PHASE. Dogs may not like to eat, have fever, and exhibit disturbing changes in their voice. This usually lasts 2 to 3 days.
The second is what we all know about rabies, the FURIOUS PHASE. Dogs become vicious, will attack anyone, become disoriented, and crave to eat almost anything, even stones and slippers. This may last 2 to 4 days.
Yet not all rabid dogs enter the second phase. Some proceed directly to the last stage, the PARALYTIC PHASE. This usually lasts 2 to 4 days. Dogs appear to choke, drool a lot, then die because of paralysis.