Rabies is a serious and often fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including both dogs and cats. It’s primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite. While rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, unvaccinated pets are also at risk. Once symptoms of rabies appear—such as behavior changes, aggression, excessive drooling, or paralysis—the disease is almost always fatal. That’s why rabies prevention through vaccination is critical for both dogs and cats.

Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs and Cats

The rabies virus can take up to a month to develop. After the virus enters the body, it begins traveling along the nerves to the brain. Symptoms that may occur include aggression, excessive salivation or drooling, abnormal affection, staggering, seizures, and fearfulness. Rabid animals may act strangely; for example, nocturnal animals may be seen walking around during the day.

Types of Rabies in Dogs and Cats: Furious vs. Paralytic

Rabies in dogs and cats typically appears in two distinct forms: furious rabies and paralytic rabies (also called “dumb” rabies). The furious form of rabies is known for causing severe behavioral changes, including aggression, restlessness, and excessive excitability. In contrast, paralytic rabies is marked by muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and eventual paralysis. Recognizing these different types of rabies symptoms in pets is essential for early detection and prompt action.

Does My Dog Have Rabies

If you think that your pet had contact with a rabid animal, you should immediately contact animal control or your veterinarian. It is difficult to diagnose Rabies by behavior and observation alone because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. The test that is often used to diagnose Rabies is completed by studying the brain after the animal has died.

Treatment for Rabies in Dogs and Cats

There is no cure for Rabies, and the outcome is almost always fatal. If your dog or cat is bitten by a rabid animal and has a current vaccination, he may need to be revaccinated and quarantined. If your pet hasn’t been vaccinated, he may need to be euthanized or placed in isolation where it can be observed without harming anyone.

What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Rabid Animal

If you or someone else is bitten by a potentially rabid animal, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care immediately. Fast action is critical-early rabies treatment can prevent the virus from developing into a fatal disease. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), when administered promptly, is highly effective at stopping rabies infection before symptoms appear.

To help prevent the spread of the rabies virus, thoroughly disinfect any surfaces or objects that may have come into contact with the infected animal’s saliva. Always wear protective gloves and avoid direct contact with bodily fluids during cleanup to reduce the risk of exposure.

How to Prevent Rabies in Dogs and Cats

Rabies vaccination is an important part of prevention. The Rabies vaccine is a core vaccine recommended for all dogs and cats, regardless of breed, size or location. Because this is a core vaccine, it is required by law. The required frequency of the vaccination varies from state to state, so you should check with your veterinarian on your state’s regulations.

To further prevent rabies, avoid letting your pets roam freely outdoors where they might encounter rabid wild animals. Properly dispose of garbage to deter wildlife from scavenging near your home, and always stay cautious around wild animals to reduce the risk of exposure.

Should you find a wild or domestic animal your pet has been exposed to or has unusual behavior, avoid contacting the animal or its body fluids. If you or your pet has been exposed to this animal, carefully retain it, do not damage the animal or freeze the body, and arrange for the animal to be submitted to your state rabies diagnostic laboratory for testing for rabies. Your physician or medical care professional can aid you in submission and interpretation of results as well as interventions as indicated by the test results.

Why Rabies Vaccines Are Essential for Dogs and Cats

Rabies in dogs and cats is a serious, often fatal disease that can be prevented with proper care and vaccination. Since there is no cure once symptoms appear, the best protection for your pets is routine rabies vaccination and limiting exposure to wild animals. Whether you’re looking for advice on rabies vaccine schedules or how to protect pets from rabies exposure, staying proactive is essential. If you suspect your pet has been exposed or need guidance on rabies prevention, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can also speak with a Revival Animal Care Specialist at 800.786.4751 for expert support on preventing rabies in pets and choosing the right vaccines.