Rabies in dogs and cats: how it spreads, the signs, and what to do after a bite

Rabies is a viral disease of the nervous system that affects mammals, including dogs, cats and people. It is one of the most serious diseases shared between animals and humans, because once symptoms appear it is almost always fatal. It is also one of the easiest to prevent: regular vaccination of pets and the right steps after a bite stop most cases.

Rabies is still present in Egypt, mainly among unvaccinated animals. Knowing how it spreads and what to do straight after an exposure matters to every family, whether or not they keep a pet.

How does rabies spread?

The virus is usually carried in the saliva of an infected animal and enters the body through:

• a bite, which is the most common route;
• a scratch that breaks the skin, or licking of an open wound;
• saliva reaching the eyes, mouth or nose.

Worldwide, unvaccinated dogs are the main source of human infection, but cats and wild animals such as foxes and bats can also carry it. Touching an animal's fur, urine or droppings is not normally considered an exposure.

After entering the body, the virus travels slowly along the nerves towards the brain, so the incubation period can last from weeks to several months. A person or animal may look completely well for a long time, which is why acting early after a bite is so important.

Signs in dogs and cats

Signs in animals often start gradually and then progress quickly over a few days. They include:

• a sudden change in behaviour: unusual aggression, or the opposite — unusual quietness, hiding or fearfulness;
• drooling and difficulty swallowing; the animal may look as if something is stuck in its throat;
• a change in the sound of its bark or meow;
• snapping at the air or attacking objects and people without reason;
• over-sensitivity to light, sound and touch;
• weakness or paralysis, often starting in the back legs or jaw, followed by seizures.

If you suspect that a stray or pet animal has rabies, do not try to catch it or feed it by hand. Keep children and other animals away and contact a vet or the local authorities.

Bitten or scratched? What to do straight away

1. Wash the wound immediately with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. This simple step greatly lowers the risk of infection.
2. After washing, apply a suitable antiseptic such as povidone-iodine if you have it, and do not seal the wound tightly.
3. Go the same day to the nearest hospital or Ministry of Health rabies vaccination centre. Do not wait for symptoms. The doctor decides whether you need post-exposure vaccination and immunoglobulin.
4. Collect what you can about the animal: is it a known pet? Does it have a current vaccination record? Where can it be followed up?
5. If the animal is a dog or cat that can be watched, a 10-day observation under a vet's supervision is usually recommended. Observation does not delay treatment of the person if the doctor decides to start it.

Prevention starts with vaccination

• The first rabies vaccine is usually given to puppies and kittens at around 12 weeks of age, following the vaccine's instructions and your vet's advice.
• A booster follows about a year later, then regular boosters every year or every three years, depending on the vaccine and local rules.
• Keep the vaccination record up to date. On Pets4Pals, a member clinic records each vaccine in your pet's medical file, so the date of every dose stays clear to you and to the vet at the next visit.
• Do not let your pet roam unsupervised, and limit contact with unknown animals.
• Teach children not to approach animals they don't know, and to tell an adult at once about any bite or scratch, however small.

See also the core vaccination schedule for dogs and cats.

If your pet bites someone, or is bitten

If your pet bites a person, ask them to wash the wound well and see a doctor, have your pet's vaccination record ready, and contact your vet to arrange the observation period.

If an unknown animal bites your pet, wear gloves when handling the wound, wash it with soap and water, and see your vet as soon as possible. Your pet may need a booster even if it is vaccinated; the vet will decide the next steps.

Frequently asked questions