Rabies in Cats and Dogs: Symptoms, Stages and What to Do
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It spreads mainly through the saliva of an infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, and it can pass from pets to people. The good news is that it is fully preventable with vaccination. This guide explains the signs, the stages, and what to do after a bite.
Early Signs of Rabies in Dogs and Cats
- A sudden change in behavior: a friendly pet becomes withdrawn or irritable, or a shy pet becomes unusually clingy.
- Fever, loss of appetite, and licking or chewing at a bite wound.
- Restlessness, anxiety, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Later Stages
- Furious form: aggression, biting at nothing, excessive drooling, a hoarse voice, and seizures.
- Paralytic (dumb) form: weakness, drooping jaw, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis that starts in the head and neck.
The time between a bite and the first signs can range from a few weeks to several months, which is why an exposed, unvaccinated animal needs veterinary advice even if it looks healthy.
What to Do If Your Pet or a Person Is Bitten
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes and seek medical care immediately for a person. For a pet, contact your vet the same day, keep it away from other animals and children, and avoid touching saliva with bare hands. Do not try to treat suspected rabies at home.
Prevention Is Simple
Keep your cat or dog up to date with the rabies vaccine, avoid contact with stray or wild animals, and keep pets supervised outdoors. Your vet will set the vaccine schedule based on age and vaccination history.
Rabies Vaccination in Riyadh
At Top Vet Clinic in Al Rabwah, Riyadh, we vaccinate cats and dogs against rabies and advise owners on exposure after a bite or contact with stray animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rabies be cured once symptoms start?
No. Once clinical signs appear it is almost always fatal, which is why vaccination and prompt care after exposure are so important.
Can an indoor cat get rabies?
The risk is much lower, but indoor cats can be exposed through bats or an animal that gets inside, so vaccination is still recommended.
Does foaming at the mouth always mean rabies?
No. Drooling can also come from nausea, dental problems, heat, or poisoning. A vet exam is needed to find the cause.
Contact Top Vet Clinic in Riyadh via WhatsApp or phone to book an examination for your pet today.