Rabies is one of the most feared viral diseases, and for a good reason. It’s almost always fatal once the symptoms appear. The virus affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans, leading to severe neurological symptoms and, ultimately, death.

Because rabies is a zoonotic disease, vaccination plays an important role in both pet health and public safety. In many countries, including the UAE, rabies vaccination is not just recommended but legally required. Ensuring your puppy or kitten gets their rabies vaccine at the right time can protect them from this deadly virus and keep you in compliance with local regulations.

But when exactly should puppies and kittens receive their first rabies vaccine? What are the booster requirements? And what does the law say about rabies vaccination in Dubai?

In this guide, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about rabies. We’ll also guide you on when you should vaccinate your puppies and kittens against rabies.

How is Rabies Transmitted?

Rabies affects the central nervous system of dogs and cats. It causes inflammation in both the brain and spinal cord. The rabies virus spreads primarily through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. The virus is present in the saliva of rabid animals and enters the body through open wounds or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

When the virus enters the body, it travels through the nerves to the brain. The disease progresses in stages, often beginning with behavioral changes and advancing to severe neurological symptoms, paralysis, and death.

What are the Signs of Rabies in Dogs and Cats?

The incubation period for rabies in dogs may be as short as 2 weeks or can take as long as 4 months. For cats, it can take about 3 to 8 weeks. Rabies develops in three stages: the prodromal stage, the furious stage, and the paralytic stage. The symptoms of rabies worsen as the virus spreads to the brain and spinal cord.

Prodromal Stage

This is the first stage of rabies, where subtle behavioral and neurological changes start appearing.

• Fever and general discomfort. Your dog or cat may appear sick, with a slight fever and reduced activity.

• Changes in temperament. Friendly pets may become irritable or aggressive, while normally aggressive animals may become unusually affectionate.

• Sensitivity to light and sound. Pets may react negatively to bright lights or loud noises.

• Excessive licking or chewing at the bite site. If an infected animal bit the pet, they might excessively groom or scratch the area.

Furious Stage

At this stage, the classic symptoms of "mad dog syndrome" appear, although they can also be seen in cats. The pet becomes highly aggressive and erratic.

• Extreme aggression. The pet may snap, bite, or attack humans, animals, or even inanimate objects without provocation.

• Restlessness and hyperactivity. The pet may appear agitated, pacing or running excessively.

• Excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing. The virus affects throat muscles, leading to foaming at the mouth.

• Uncontrolled barking or meowing. Pets may vocalize excessively, with a change in the tone of their bark or meow.

• Disorientation and hallucinations. The pet may react to things that aren’t there, appearing confused or frightened.

Paralytic Stage

As the virus fully attacks the nervous system, the pet enters the final, paralytic stage of rabies.

• Progressive paralysis. Hind legs become weak first, followed by full-body paralysis.

• Inability to eat or drink. Your pet may struggle to swallow due to throat paralysis.

• Coma and respiratory failure. As paralysis spreads to the lungs, your dog or cat will eventually stop breathing.

Why is Rabies Vaccination Important for Dogs and Cats?

Rabies has no cure. This is why rabies vaccinations are important, as they’re the only effective way to protect our dogs and cats. These vaccines do so by creating antibodies to fight off the virus if exposure occurs.

Additionally, rabies is a public health concern. Strict regulations regarding timely vaccinations for all pets are placed all over Dubai and the UAE. Protecting your pets protects the public in return. By having your dog or cat vaccinated against rabies, you’ll be making the community safer.

At What Age Should I Vaccinate My Puppy Against Rabies?

According to general veterinary guidelines, puppies should receive their first rabies vaccination at the age of 14 weeks. Administering the vaccine earlier is not recommended because their immune system is still developing, and the vaccine may not be as effective. 

After the first dose, puppies should be given additional booster shots every 1 to 3 years. However, this will depend on your location. In Dubai, booster shots should be given annually. This ensures that the dose remains strong and your dog stays protected. 

These are just general guidelines on when you should vaccinate your puppy against rabies. However, a visit to the clinic will allow our vets to give your dog a checkup to determine when it can have its first dose. 

At What Age Should I Vaccinate My Kitten Against Rabies?

Just like puppies, kittens also need timely rabies vaccination to keep them protected from this dangerous disease. Even if cats are kept indoors most of the time, their roaming behaviors might lead them outside. 

As a general guideline, kittens should get vaccinated against rabies at the age of 14 weeks. However, your cat can also take the first dose at the age of 12 weeks depending on its health condition. At this stage, a cat’s immune system becomes developed enough to sustain and respond effectively to the rabies vaccine.

Also, your kitten will need booster shots yearly. This makes sure that your cat stays protected and complies with local regulations in Dubai. So even if your cat stays indoors or in your high-rise condo, it’ll still need to be vaccinated against rabies. This protects not only you but also them.

Possible Side Effects of the Rabies Vaccine for Puppies and Kittens

While the rabies vaccine for puppies and kittens aims to protect our pets, there are still possible side effects to consider. Fortunately, most dogs and cats can tolerate rabies vaccinations well. This means that the risk of serious complications is low. Still, it’s good to take note of these potential side effects so you can help your pets recover.

Here are the common side effects of the rabies vaccine: 

• Soreness or swelling at the injection site. Your pet may feel some tenderness where the vaccine was injected. A small lump might form, but this usually disappears within a few weeks.

• Mild fever. A slight increase in body temperature is a normal immune response to vaccination and should go away within 24 to 48 hours.

• Lethargy or tiredness. Your pet may seem less energetic or sleep more than usual for a day or two as their body adjusts to the vaccine.

• Decreased appetite. Some pets may eat less than usual for a short period after receiving the vaccine, but their appetite should return to normal quickly.

• Temporary lump at the injection site. A firm swelling may appear at the injection site and persist for a few weeks. If it doesn’t shrink over time, consult with us.

In rare cases, some side effects can become severe. These include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea. Occasional mild digestive upset is normal, but chronic vomiting or diarrhea lasting for a period longer than 24 hours is a concern.

• Severe swelling and redness at the injection site. If the injection area becomes increasingly swollen, warm, or painful after 48 hours, it may indicate an infection or an adverse reaction.

• Facial swelling, hives, or itching. An allergic reaction may cause swelling around the face, muzzle, or eyes, accompanied by hives or excessive scratching.

• Collapse or extreme lethargy. While mild tiredness is expected, too much is not normal. If your pet becomes unresponsive, collapses, or has difficulty standing, bring them to the clinic immediately.

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing. Labored breathing, excessive panting, or wheezing can indicate an anaphylactic reaction.

"Protecting your pet’s health is an act of love, responsibility, and compassion."

- Dr. Soheyl Simaei

Conclusion

While rabies is dangerous, it can be prevented. Start at the right age when it comes to vaccinating your dogs and cats against rabies. We recommend having your puppy and kitten vaccinated against rabies at the age of 14 weeks. However, this can change after we assess your pet’s health.

Early vaccination helps our pets stay safe and protected from the dangerous rabies virus. Because this disease can’t be treated, vaccines are the most effective way to protect our best friends.

But while rabies vaccinations can help our pets, they can also cause possible side effects. These are just a few hurdles to go through so your best friend can stay happy and healthy.