Signs and Symptoms of Rabid Dogs and Cats — And What to Do After Diagnosing a Rabid Animal
Author: Sawaira Qamar, DVM RVMP
Rabies is one of the most serious viral diseases affecting mammals, including dogs and cats, and it is 100% fatal once clinical signs appear. However, it is entirely preventable with vaccination and proper management of exposures. This blog provides accurate, detailed veterinary and public health information, including signs, diagnosis, and steps to take when you suspect rabies in dogs or cats.
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system of mammals, leading to severe neurological symptoms and death. The virus is typically transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal via its saliva (World Health Organization).
Signs and Symptoms in Dogs and Cats
Rabies affects animals’ nervous systems and behavior. Signs can vary between the initial, furious, and paralytic forms.
- Early / Non Specific Signs
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Fever
- Decrease in appetite (anorexia)
- Vomiting
- Difficulty walking or uncoordinated gait (ataxia)
- Weakness
- Behavior changes — restless, clingy, or unresponsive (CDC)
- Behavioral Changes
- Aggression or unusual irritability
- Unprovoked biting or snapping
- Fearfulness or hiding
- Severe anxiety
- Disorientation and confusion
- Self mutilation
- Unusual friendliness in shy animals
- Excessive salivation (foaming)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vocalization changes (CDC)
- Neurological Deterioration
- Seizures
- Paralysis (hind limbs common)
- Drooping jaw
- Muscle tremors
- Respiratory failure
Death usually occurs within days (CDC). Some animals show paralytic rabies without aggression (WHO).
Diagnosing Rabies in Dogs and Cats
Rabies is confirmed post mortem by laboratory examination of brain tissue (direct fluorescent antibody test). Live diagnosis is based on exposure history and clinical signs (WHO).
Observation Period
Healthy vaccinated dogs or cats that bite a human may be observed for 10 days to assess rabies risk (CDC).
What to Do After Suspecting or Diagnosing Rabies
- Isolate the animal immediately
- Avoid handling without protection
- Contact a veterinarian and public health authorities
- Euthanasia and testing are recommended in suspected cases (CDC)
If a Dog or Cat Bites a Human
Vaccinated animals: Booster vaccination and 45 day observation
Unvaccinated animals: Euthanasia and testing or 4 month quarantine with vaccination (CDC)
Human Health Considerations
- Wash wound with soap and water for 15 minutes immediately (WHO)
- Seek medical care
- Post exposure prophylaxis includes vaccines and immunoglobulin (WHO)
- Routine vaccination of pets from registered Veterinary practitioners.
- Avoid wild and stray animals
- Report abnormal animal behavior
- Pre exposure vaccination in high risk regions (WHO)
Key Takeaways
Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear but completely preventable through vaccination and timely intervention
(WHO, CDC).
References
World Health Organization (WHO)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)