What Are the Symptoms of Rabies in Pets?

Rabies is one of the most serious viral diseases that can affect animals and humans alike. For pet owners in the UAE, especially those planning to move or travel internationally, understanding the symptoms of rabies and following proper vaccination and travel guidelines is absolutely essential.

If you’re preparing to relocate your furry friend, working with a trusted pet export service in the UAE or a licensed pet relocation service in the UAE ensures that your pet is safe, healthy, and compliant with pet travel and rabies guidelines in the UAE.

Understanding Rabies: What It Is and How It Spreads

Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system. It spreads primarily through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via bites or scratches. Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes inflammation that leads to neurological damage and, ultimately, death.

Rabies affects all mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. Fortunately, with proper vaccination and timely medical care, it is completely preventable. In the UAE, rabies is rare thanks to strict import and vaccination regulations. However, awareness remains crucial, especially for those planning to export or import pets to and from other regions where the virus might still circulate.

Early Symptoms of Rabies in Pets

Spotting the first signs of rabies can make all the difference. The incubation period, which is the time between infection and symptom onset, can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the bite location and the pet’s immune response.

The symptoms of rabies in pets generally progress in three stages:

Prodromal Stage 

During this early phase, pets may show subtle behavioural changes that owners often overlook:

• Mild fever and loss of appetite
• Increased irritability or anxiety
• Restlessness or nervousness
• Licking or chewing the bite site excessively

Dogs that are usually calm may suddenly become aggressive, while affectionate cats might hide or act withdrawn.

Excitative or Furious Stage

This is the stage most people associate with rabies. Pets become highly agitated and may behave unpredictably.

Symptoms include:

• Unprovoked aggression or attempts to bite objects, people, or other animals
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Disorientation or restlessness
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Attempting to eat non-food items 

It’s important to remember that not all rabid animals are overly aggressive. Some may appear simply restless or confused.

Paralytic or Dumb Stage

As the virus spreads to the brain and spinal cord, paralysis begins to set in.

Signs may include:

• Difficulty swallowing (leading to drooling)
• Weakness or paralysis of the limbs
• Dropped jaw or inability to close the mouth
• Coma and eventual death

This stage typically occurs a few days after the excitative phase and ends fatally in nearly all unvaccinated cases.

Rabies Symptoms in Dogs

In dogs, rabies may present with unusual aggression or excessive friendliness, persistent barking or howling, fever and lethargy, uncoordinated movement or staggering, drooling and difficulty drinking water, and seizures in later stages. Dogs infected with rabies often lose their fear of people and other animals, which increases the risk of transmission.

Rabies Symptoms in Cats

Cats are highly susceptible to rabies and often show more dramatic behavioural changes than dogs. Common signs include restlessness and aggression, constant meowing or vocalization, avoiding human contact, excessive salivation, and seizures and paralysis. Because cats may roam outdoors and interact with stray animals, maintaining up-to-date vaccinations is critical for their safety.

How Rabies Affects Pet Travel and Relocation in the UAE

When you’re preparing to move abroad with your pet, compliance with pet travel and rabies guidelines in the UAE is essential. The UAE enforces strict health checks to ensure pets are rabies-free before international travel.

Here’s what every pet parent should know:

• Rabies Vaccination Requirements in Dubai - All pets must receive a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure and not more than 12 months before travel, depending on vaccine validity.
  
• Microchipping - Pets must have an ISO-compatible microchip implanted before vaccination to link the rabies certificate to the correct animal.
  
• Veterinary Health Certificate - Before departure, you’ll need an official veterinary health certificate confirming that your pet is fit to travel and free from contagious diseases.
• Rabies Antibody Titer Test - Some countries such as the UK and EU nations, require a rabies titer test to verify sufficient immunity. The test must be performed in an approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination.
• Partner with Professionals - Using a professional pet export service in the UAE or pet relocation service in the UAE ensures that all documentation, vaccination, and customs processes meet destination requirements.

Prevention: The Best Protection Against Rabies

There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear, but prevention is simple and effective. Follow these steps to keep your pet safe:

• Keep vaccinations up to date. Never skip boosters.
• Avoid contact with stray or wild animals.
• Supervise pets outdoors, especially in rural or unfamiliar areas.
• Report suspicious animal behaviour to local authorities or your vet.
• Follow travel regulations carefully if you plan to export your pet.

When traveling abroad, always consult your veterinarian or pet relocation specialist for the latest rabies vaccination requirements in Dubai and your destination country.

Why Rabies Awareness Matters in the UAE

Even though rabies cases are rare in the UAE, international pet travel increases exposure risks. By staying informed and complying with pet travel and rabies guidelines in the UAE, you’re not only protecting your pet but also helping maintain the UAE’s strong record in animal health and public safety. Whether you’re relocating for work or family, working with an experienced pet relocation service in the UAE ensures your pet’s travel is seamless, safe, and stress-free.