Rabies in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, What to Do After a Bite, and Prevention

Rabies is one of the most dangerous diseases known: once symptoms appear it is almost 100% fatal in animals and people. Yet it is also one of the most preventable, through vaccination and the right action after a bite. This guide explains how rabies spreads, its symptoms in dogs and cats, exactly what to do if you’re bitten, and how to protect your pet.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is caused by a lyssavirus that attacks the nervous system. It travels slowly along nerves from the bite site to the brain, then spreads to the salivary glands, which is why saliva is the main route of transmission.

All mammals can be infected, including dogs, cats, foxes, wolves, bats, camels and humans. Cases still occur in many countries, including our region, mainly through wildlife and stray dogs.

How Rabies Spreads

Bites: the most common route, as infected saliva enters the wound.
Scratches: if claws are contaminated with saliva.
Licking an open wound or mucous membranes such as the eyes, mouth or nose.

Rabies isn’t spread by petting fur or contact with blood, urine or feces under normal conditions, and it isn’t airborne in everyday situations.

Incubation: Why You Must Act Immediately

The time between a bite and symptoms usually ranges from weeks to several months, and can be shorter for deep bites or bites near the head. There are no symptoms during this period, but post-exposure vaccination is highly effective. Once symptoms begin, there is no effective treatment. The golden rule: never wait for symptoms.

Rabies Symptoms in Dogs

1. Early (Prodromal) Stage

Sudden behavior change: a friendly dog becomes withdrawn, or a shy dog becomes unusually clingy.
Mild fever and loss of appetite.
Licking or scratching an old bite site.

2. Furious Stage

Aggression, severe agitation and unprovoked biting.
Biting at objects, the air or cage bars.
Aimless wandering and sensitivity to light and sound.
A change in the sound of the bark.

3. Paralytic (Dumb) Stage

Paralysis of face and throat muscles and a dropped jaw.
Heavy drooling and difficulty swallowing, the classic “foaming at the mouth”.
Paralysis spreading to the limbs, followed by death within days.

Not every animal shows the furious stage; some go straight to the quiet paralytic form, so appearance alone can’t confirm or rule out rabies.

Rabies Symptoms in Cats

Cats are as susceptible as dogs, especially those that go outdoors or meet strays. Infected cats more often show the furious form:

Sudden, dramatic behavior changes.
Unprovoked aggression and sudden attacks.
Agitation and unusual vocalizing.
Drooling and difficulty swallowing.
Wobbling, weakness, then paralysis.

Can Humans Get Rabies?

Yes. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, usually passed to people through the bite of an infected animal. In people it starts with flu-like symptoms and pain or tingling at the bite site, then severe neurological signs. The key point: prompt post-exposure vaccination is very effective at preventing the disease.

What to Do If a Dog or Cat Bites You

Wash the wound immediately with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. This simple step greatly reduces the amount of virus.
Apply a suitable antiseptic after washing.
Go to the nearest hospital or emergency department the same day, even for a small bite, so a doctor can decide whether you need post-exposure vaccination.
If the animal is known, get the owner’s details and its vaccination record.
If it’s a stray or wild animal, don’t try to catch it yourself; report it to the relevant authorities.

Note: this article is for awareness. The decision about post-bite vaccination is made by a medical doctor, so don’t delay going to hospital.

If Your Pet Bites Someone

Keep your pet’s vaccination record, especially rabies, on hand.
Follow health authority instructions, which often include observing the dog or cat for 10 days. If the animal stays healthy over that period, it wasn’t transmitting the virus at the time of the bite.
See your vet to check your pet and update its vaccination.

If a Stray Animal Bites Your Pet

Wear gloves when handling the wound, as it may carry the other animal’s saliva.
Wash the wound with soap and water.
Contact your vet immediately to assess the wound and give a rabies booster depending on the case and vaccination history.
Unvaccinated pets bitten by a suspect animal need special measures determined by the vet and authorities.

Diagnosis

There is no reliable rapid blood test for rabies in a living animal. Confirmed diagnosis is usually made in specialized government labs after death by testing brain tissue. That is why prevention relies on vaccination, reporting and observation, not on waiting for a diagnosis.

Prevention: Rabies Vaccination for Cats and Dogs

First dose usually at 12 weeks (3 months) of age.
A booster one year later.
Then repeated according to vaccine type, your vet’s advice and travel requirements.
Rabies vaccination is usually required for international pet travel.

Also:

Don’t let your pet roam unsupervised or mix with strays.
Teach children not to approach stray dogs and cats or wild animals such as foxes.
Never feed or try to catch wild animals.
Neuter your pet to reduce roaming and fighting.

Rabies Vaccination at Top Vet Clinic, Riyadh

At Top Vet Clinic in Al Rabwa, Makkah Road, we provide rabies vaccination for cats and dogs as part of a complete vaccination program, record it in your pet’s file, examine and treat wounds, and issue the certificates you need. Open Saturday to Thursday 9 AM to 12 midnight, Friday 4 PM to 12 midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rabies be treated after symptoms appear?
Unfortunately there is no effective treatment once symptoms start, and the disease is almost always fatal. Vaccination and quick action after a bite are the answer.

Does every dog that bites have rabies?
No, most bites come from uninfected animals. But you can’t tell by looking, so always wash the wound and go to hospital.

Should an indoor cat be vaccinated?
It’s recommended, since cats can escape or meet other animals, and the vaccine is required for travel. Discuss the right schedule with your vet.

When do puppies and kittens get the rabies vaccine?
Usually from 12 weeks, with a booster after one year, then according to vaccine type.

Does the rabies vaccine have side effects?
Usually mild and short-lived, such as slight tiredness or soreness at the injection site for a day or two. Severe reactions are rare; contact your vet if you see facial swelling or breathing difficulty.

Book Now

Protect your pet and family: book a rabies vaccination, or see us right away if your pet has been bitten. Book on WhatsApp, call 011 445 4433, or book your appointment here.