As a pet owner and occasional cat rescuer, rabies has always been a prime concern of mine, much like diseases like leptospirosis and parvo which commonly affect cats, dogs, and other animals.
Ignorance of the facts about rabies has led to people committing violence against or killing dogs or cats suspected of having rabies, or getting unnecessary shots without verification. Some don’t bother to report suspected cases and simply bury the animal, or worse, leave it to rot wherever.
That being said, rabies is one of the most serious yet widely misunderstood diseases affecting animals and humans in the Philippines. Despite decades of awareness campaigns, myths about it still persist.
Some believe that only aggressive dogs carry the virus, or that cats don’t get infected. Others rely on garlic, charcoal, or rubbing alcohol as emergency treatments after an animal bite. These misconceptions can be dangerous. Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear—but it is entirely preventable.
Rabies is a viral infection that targets the nervous system. It spreads mainly through the saliva of infected animals, often via bites. Scratches or licks on broken skin or mucous membranes (like the eyes or mouth) can also transmit the virus. In the Philippines, dogs are the most common carriers, but cats can get rabies too, especially if they roam freely and interact with strays or wildlife.
Once the virus enters the body, it travels along the nerves to the brain. This journey can take weeks or even months, depending on where the bite occurred and how severe it was. During this incubation period, the infected animal may appear healthy. That’s why you should never ignore a bite, even if the dog or cat looks fine.
Recognizing signs of rabies in pets
Rabies doesn’t have one set of symptoms. It can show up in two ways: the more well-known “furious” form, and the less obvious “dumb” or paralytic type.
In the furious form, dogs or cats become unusually aggressive. They may attack people or other animals without reason. They often drool heavily, bark or meow nonstop, and appear restless. Some become hypersensitive to noise or light.
The paralytic form is harder to spot. Instead of becoming aggressive, the animal becomes weak and lethargic. Its lower jaw might hang open, and it may lose control of its legs or stop eating. This can easily be mistaken for a different illness, which makes it more dangerous.
In both types, death usually occurs within seven to 10 days after symptoms begin. Once signs of rabies appear, there is no cure.
How to prevent rabies in pets and humans
The best defense against rabies is vaccination. Dogs and cats should get their first rabies shot at three months old, followed by yearly boosters. Unfortunately, many pet owners in the Philippines still skip vaccinations, either out of neglect or the false belief that indoor pets don’t need them. But even an indoor cat can slip out unnoticed, and unvaccinated pets pose a risk not just to themselves but to everyone around them.
Keeping pets indoors or on a leash helps reduce their exposure to stray animals, which are the main source of rabies. It’s also wise to report stray dogs showing signs of illness or aggression to the local government or barangay.
What to do if you’re bitten or scratched
Time is critical after a bite or scratch. Wash the wound right away with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This step helps remove the virus before it can enter the body. After cleaning, apply an antiseptic like povidone-iodine if it’s available.
Then, go to the nearest animal bite treatment center (ABTC) as soon as possible. The Department of Health (DOH) has accredited ABTCs across the country where you can get anti-rabies shots and, if needed, rabies immunoglobulin. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Once rabies develops, it is almost always fatal.
Don’t rely on home remedies or traditional beliefs. Garlic, vinegar, or “tandok” (folk methods of sucking out the virus) have no medical basis and only delay proper treatment.
Rabies is deadly, but it doesn’t have to be common.
With responsible pet ownership, timely vaccination, and immediate response to bites, it’s possible to protect both animals and people.
