Facts About Rabies Every Pet Owner Should Know

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Rabies is a deadly disease that affects animals as well as humans, with fatal consequences if left untreated.¹ However, the good news is that rabies is preventable—and by staying informed, you can protect your beloved pets and your family. Read on to understand how to recognize, prevent and respond to rabies to keep your pets safe and healthy.

Rabies 101: What Every Pet Owner Needs To Know

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans and pets. It's one of the most feared diseases worldwide due to its 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear.¹ Although rabies is rare in humans in the United States, 60,000 Americans receive medical care each year following potential exposure.² The virus is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites or scratches. Once it enters the body, it travels through the nerves to the brain, where it causes severe inflammation, leading to death.

The impact of rabies on pets is devastating. Initially, they might show subtle changes in behavior, such as restlessness or aggression. As the disease progresses, they can develop paralysis, seizures and extreme fear of water (hydrophobia). Once symptoms appear, rabies is always fatal, making early recognition and prevention critical.¹

How Rabies Spreads: The Hidden Dangers

Understanding how rabies is spread can help you avoid risks and better protect your pets.

• The primary carriers of the rabies virus are wild animals, such as raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes.³
• These animals can carry the virus without showing symptoms, making them particularly dangerous.
• Rabies can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal via bites or scratches.
• The risk of exposure increases when pets come into contact with wild animals. Due to widespread vaccinations, 90% of all reported rabies cases affect wild animals rather than pets.³
• Pets can encounter wildlife during walks, in the backyard or if a wild animal enters your home.

Spotting the Signs: How To Recognize Rabies in Your Pet

The disease only occurs in unvaccinated animals, or in pets whose rabies vaccine has lapsed. It typically progresses in stages, starting with subtle changes that may be easy to overlook.

Early symptoms include:

• Behavioral changes such as increased aggression, restlessness or unexplained fearfulness. Your pet might also become unusually affectionate.⁴
• Loss of appetite

As the disease advances, more severe symptoms appear. These can include:

• Paralysis
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive drooling
• Seizures

One of the hallmark signs of rabies is hydrophobia, where the animal shows an irrational fear of water. Unfortunately, by the time these advanced symptoms appear, the disease is fatal—and there is no treatment for rabies in pets.⁵ If you suspect your pet may have been exposed to rabies, it's critical to seek veterinary care immediately.

The Lifesaving Power of Rabies Vaccination

A rabies vaccination is the most effective way to protect your pet from this deadly disease. In many areas, rabies vaccination is not just recommended, it's legally required—without exemption.⁶ The vaccine works by stimulating your pet's immune system to produce antibodies that can fight off the virus if your pet is ever exposed.

Typically, the first rabies vaccine is given when a pet is around 3 to 4 months old, followed by a booster shot one year later. After that, pets usually receive a rabies vaccine every one to three years, depending on local regulations and the type of vaccine used.⁷ Keeping your pet's vaccinations up to date is a simple yet powerful way to ensure their safety and well-being and help prevent common diseases and illnesses.

Protecting Your Pet: Top Tips for Rabies Prevention

Here are some practical tips to help safeguard your pets from rabies:

1. Keep vaccinations up to date: Ensure your pet receives regular rabies vaccinations within their schedule to prevent common dog and cat health issues. This is the most effective way to protect them from the disease.
2. Supervise your pets: Avoid letting your pets roam freely, especially in areas where they might encounter wild animals. Always supervise them during walks and outdoor activities.
3. Secure your home and yard: Make sure your home and yard are secure to prevent wild animals from entering. Repair any gaps in fences and seal off entry points to your house.
4. Avoid contact with wild animals: Teach your children and family members to avoid contact with wild animals, even if they appear friendly or nonthreatening.
5. Know the signs of rabies: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of rabies so you can recognize them quickly if your pet starts showing signs of illness.

Emergency Action Plan: What To Do if Your Pet Is Exposed

If your pet comes in contact with a potentially rabid animal, immediate action is critical. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:

Safely contain your pet

Isolate your pet from other animals and people to prevent the spread of the virus.

Wash the wound

Use soap and water to thoroughly clean the wound for at least 15 minutes.⁴ This can help reduce the risk of infection.

Contact your veterinarian

Call your vet immediately and inform them of the situation. They will guide you on the next steps, which may include bringing your pet in for an examination.

Quarantine if necessary

Depending on the circumstances, your pet may need to be quarantined to monitor for signs of rabies. Your veterinarian will advise you on the appropriate measures.

Do not touch the wild animal

If the wild animal your pet came in contact with is dead, place it in a sealed container or double plastic bags for rabies testing. Contact animal control or a wildlife removal professional, as they have the resources to safely handle and trap the animal. If you've had any contact with the animal, seek medical attention immediately.

Follow up with vaccinations

If your pet's rabies vaccination is not up to date, they may require a booster shot or other treatments, as advised by your vet. You should also closely monitor them for 45 days and report any symptoms to your vet.⁸

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Preventing rabies is an important responsibility for pet owners. By staying informed, keeping vaccinations up to date and taking precautions to avoid exposure, you can help protect your pets from this deadly disease.

If you have any worries about your pet and need immediate advice, Pets Best policyholders can call the Pets Best 24/7 Pet Helpline to speak with a veterinary expert. Remember, protecting your pet from rabies is not just about following the law—it's about ensuring a long, healthy and happy life for your furry companion.

Sources/ Citations

1. "Rabies," (6/2024), World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies

2. "About Rabies," (6/2024), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/about/index.html

3. "Understanding Rabies," (n.d.), The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/understanding-rabies

4. "Rabies," (n.d.), American Veterinarian Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/one-health/rabies

5. "Rabies: Information for Dog Owners," Michelle Evason and Jason Stull (6/2024), American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, https://www.akcchf.org/assets/files/AKC-CHF-Rabies-Fact-Sheet.pdf

6. "Rabies Vaccination and Exemption Laws for Dogs," (n.d.), Animal Legal and Historical Center, https://www.animallaw.info/content/rabies-vaccination-and-exemption-laws-dogs

7. "Dog Rabies Vaccine Schedule," (7/2022), Cumberland Animal Clinic, https://www.cumberlandanimalclinic.com/site/blog/2022/07/15/dog-rabies-vaccine-schedule

8. "Rabies: Information for Veterinarians," (6/2024), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/hcp/veterinarians/index.html