World Rabies Day: Can My Pet Get Rabies?

What about your pet? Can your four-legged friend get rabies? The short answer is yes, but understanding how rabies spreads and how to protect your pet is key to keeping them safe.

How does rabies spread?

Rabies is primarily transmitted through a bite from an infected animal. The virus is present in the infected animal’s saliva and enters the body through broken skin. While wild animals, such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, are the most common carriers, domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and livestock, can become infected if exposed to the virus.

Can my pet get rabies?

Any mammal, including your dog or cat, can contract rabies if they are exposed to the virus. Pets who spend time outdoors, particularly in areas where rabies is prevalent among wildlife, are at risk. However, indoor pets aren’t entirely safe, because they can be exposed if a rabid animal enters your home or they encounter wildlife while outdoors.

What are rabies symptoms in pets?

Rabies signs in pets typically progress through several stages and can vary depending on the disease form. Here’s an overview of common signs:

• Early signs — Early rabies signs may be subtle and include behavioral changes, such as increased aggression, restlessness, irritability, or unusual shyness. Affected pets may also have a fever.
• Progressive signs — As the disease progresses, signs may include:
  • Hypersensitivity to light, sound, or touch
  • Difficulty swallowing, leading to hypersalivation or drooling, which can look like the animal is foaming at the mouth
  • Paralysis, typically beginning in the hind limbs and spreading to other body parts
  • Disorientation and confusion
  • Seizures
• Late-stage signs — Furious rabies is characterized by extreme aggression, restlessness, and a tendency to attack anything in sight, including inanimate objects. Paralytic or dumb rabies leads to lethargy, weakness, and eventually paralysis. The disease typically ends with the animal falling into a coma and dying.

Once signs appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which highlights the importance of prevention.

How can I protect my pet?

The good news is that rabies is preventable. Here are some key steps to protect your pet:

• Vaccination — Ensure your pet is vaccinated against rabies. Rabies vaccination is required by law in many areas and is the most effective way to protect your pet.
• Leash and supervise — Keep your pet on a leash during walks and supervise them outside to prevent wildlife encounters.
• Avoid wildlife — Discourage your pet from approaching wild animals, alive or dead.
• Report suspicious animals — If you see a wild animal behaving unusually, such as being overly friendly, aggressive, or disoriented, contact your local animal control.

What if my pet is exposed to rabies?

If you suspect that your pet has been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, act quickly and contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Your vet may recommend a booster shot if your pet’s rabies vaccination is current or initiate quarantine procedures if your pet is unvaccinated or overdue for a booster. Early intervention is crucial and can save your pet’s life.

World Rabies Day is a reminder that while rabies is a deadly disease, it is preventable with the right precautions. By ensuring your pet is vaccinated and protected from potential exposure, you can help keep them safe from this fatal virus. Visit your AAHA-accredited veterinarian today to ensure your pet is up to date on their rabies vaccination.