When should you worry about a pet bite?
Is rabies still a real threat in Canada?
What if your pet gets scratched by wildlife—what do you do next?

These are the questions that come up every year around World Rabies Day, and honestly, they’re not overreactions.

Rabies might seem like something out of an old movie, but it’s still present in wildlife across Canada, and cases in pets—while rare—still happen.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your pets, your family, and yourself.

What Exactly Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system.
It’s most often spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal—and once symptoms appear, it’s almost always fatal.

Scary? Yes.
But also 100% preventable with the right care, awareness, and vaccination.

Which Animals Carry Rabies in Canada?

In British Columbia and beyond, rabies is most commonly found in:

• Bats
  
• Raccoons
  
• Foxes
  
• Skunks

Even though rabies isn’t common in domestic pets, unvaccinated cats and dogs can still get infected after contact with wildlife.

Early Signs of Rabies in Pets

If you’ve had a run-in with wildlife or notice odd behaviour in your dog or cat, here’s what to watch for.

Early symptoms can include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour (shy pets becoming aggressive or vice versa)
  
• Restlessness or agitation
  
• Licking or chewing the bite area excessively
  
• Fever or slight lethargy
  
• Avoiding food or water

At this stage, it’s easy to mistake it for pain or stress—especially after a scuffle with another animal.

But early vet intervention is crucial.

Advanced Signs: When It’s Serious

If rabies progresses, symptoms become more obvious—and more dangerous:

• Unprovoked aggression or biting
  
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
  
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  
• Staggering, uncoordinated movement
  
• Seizures or paralysis
  

Once these signs show up, there’s usually nothing vets can do.

That’s why prevention and quick action matter so much.

What to Do If Your Pet Is Bitten

If your dog or cat has been in a fight with wildlife—or you even suspect it:

1. Don’t touch the wound with bare hands. Rabies can spread through saliva.
   
2. Call your vet immediately. This is when emergency veterinary care becomes non-negotiable.
   
3. Provide vaccination history. If your pet is vaccinated, treatment and quarantine decisions will be different.
   
4. Watch for symptoms. Your vet may ask you to monitor your pet closely for changes in behaviour or health.
   

At Apollo Animal Hospital, we treat every possible exposure seriously—because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If You Are Bitten or Scratched

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes
  
• Seek medical care without delay—your doctor will assess rabies risk
  
• Report the incident to public health or animal control (they may need to test the animal if possible)

How Can You Prevent Rabies in the First Place?

Here’s what we recommend to all our clients—especially this World Rabies Day:

• Keep your pet’s rabies vaccinations up to date (dogs and cats)
  
• Don’t let pets roam unsupervised, especially near wooded areas or at night
  
• Avoid handling wildlife—even if they look injured or calm
  
• Educate your family about not approaching stray or wild animals
  
• Call us immediately if you suspect exposure—we’re here for emergencies and urgent concerns

Need to update your pet’s vaccine?
Book a rabies shot as part of your next check-up—quick, safe, and stress-free.

Rabies in Wildlife: Signs to Watch For

If you’re out on a walk and see an animal acting strangely, keep your distance.

Signs of rabies in wildlife include:

• Animals being unusually tame or aggressive
  
• Staggering or falling over
  
• No fear of people or pets
  
• Nocturnal animals (like raccoons) out during the day
  
• Excessive drooling or weird vocal sounds

If you notice any of these, contact local animal control or wildlife rescue—don’t try to handle it yourself.

Rabies Is Rare, But Not Gone

Every year, we remind our clients on World Rabies Day that one quick jab can save a life.

It’s not just about the law—it’s about protecting your pet from one of the deadliest viruses out there.

If you’re unsure whether your pet is protected, or if you’ve had a recent wildlife encounter, don’t wait.
Reach out to your vet team—whether it’s a regular check-up or emergency veterinary care, we’re here for you.

Rabies is preventable, but only if we stay informed and act fast.
This World Rabies Day, let’s make sure every pet is protected.