Can rabies in dogs and cats spread to humans?

Yes, rabies is a zoonotic disease. If you suspect contact with an infected animal or have been bitten, seek medical attention and report to public health or animal control authorities immediately.

How does the vet confirm whether a pet has rabies?

The vet will assess clinical signs and exposure history, and may arrange laboratory tests if needed. Brain tissue examination is commonly used for definitive post-mortem confirmation — follow your vet's guidance on sample collection.

What should I do if I suspect my pet has been bitten by an infected animal?

Take your pet to a vet as soon as possible and provide a full exposure history. The vet or animal health authorities will help assess the risk and advise on next steps.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Rabies in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Care Guide [2025]

A fatal viral infection — vaccination is the most important prevention

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: WHO, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek emergency care immediately

•Sudden paralysis of the hind limbs or entire body, unable to stand
•Continuous or repeated seizures, or recurrent loss of consciousness
•Complete inability to swallow or obvious difficulty breathing

Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Persistent fever lasting more than 24 hours or repeatedly spiking
•Noticeable change in mental status accompanied by loss of appetite
•Frequent drooling or persistent difficulty swallowing

01What symptoms signal something is wrong?

Rabies in dogs and cats often causes neurological and behavioural changes. Early signs may not be obvious — watch for the warning signs below and seek veterinary assessment promptly.

Repeated or persistent fever with abnormally elevated body temperature
Involuntary seizures or muscle tremors
Unsteady gait, trembling, or noticeable lameness
Drooling, excessive salivation, or difficulty swallowing
Behaviour changes: extreme lethargy or unusual agitation
Partial or generalised weakness or collapse

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Sudden hind-limb paralysis or inability to stand or walk
⚠️ Continuous seizures, repeated loss of consciousness, or unresponsiveness
⚠️ Inability to swallow or signs of significant breathing difficulty

02How to assess symptoms at home? Key observations and when to go to emergency

Home monitoring helps give your vet a complete history. Record changes using the checklist below and gather photos or videos where possible.

Take your pet's temperature at the same time each day and record the reading and time
Film your pet walking with your phone — capture both a front view and a side view
Note changes in alertness and how your pet responds to sounds or touch
Log daily changes in appetite, water intake, and frequency of urination and defecation
Watch for excessive drooling or any signs of difficulty swallowing
If seizures or sudden collapse occur, go to a vet immediately for emergency assessment

03How does the vet diagnose this condition? Common tests and examinations

Upon arrival, the vet will perform a clinical assessment. If needed, blood work, imaging, or advanced tests may be arranged to rule out other neurological or metabolic conditions.

Full physical examination and neurological function assessment

Blood and biochemistry tests to evaluate overall metabolism and signs of infection

Urinalysis to rule out metabolic or renal issues

Head CT or MRI scan if needed to assess brain changes

Tissue or brain sample testing (definitive diagnosis is typically made by post-mortem examination)

Referral to a specialist hospital recommended for advanced testing and interpretation

04What treatment and care are needed after diagnosis? Medications, diet, and care guide

Symptoms associated with rabies require supportive care and necessary testing as directed by your vet. After any treatment, monitor your pet closely and follow up on test results.

Schedule regular follow-up visits as directed to monitor symptoms and test results
Track medication effects and any side effects, and report them to your vet
Adjust diet as advised and record daily food intake and bowel movements
Carry out home supportive care under veterinary guidance and minimise unnecessary contact with your pet
Complete scheduled tests regularly to assess disease progression and prognosis
Contact your vet immediately or arrange specialist assessment if symptoms worsen

05What to prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help your vet diagnose quickly

Note when symptoms first appeared and keep a daily log of changes

Prepare records of your pet's appetite, water intake, and toilet habits over the past few days

List all current medications, vaccines, and supplements

Bring any videos of episodes, abnormal walking, or seizures for the vet to review

Book an appointment and bring all relevant test results or referral records

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.

Related Symptoms (You May Also Be Looking For)

Elevated temperature

Excessive activity

Unequal pupils

Incoordination

Excessive saliva

Limping