Rabies remains to be a major concern for communities in the Philippines, especially areas where stray dogs and cats roam freely. For many Filipinos, particularly fur parents and animal lovers, pets are just like an important family member. Dogs and cats are very common pets in the Philippines so understanding the signs of rabies in cats, recognizing rabies symptoms in dogs, and knowing when and how to get anti-rabies vaccines is very important in protecting not only our precious furbabies, but also our children, neighbors, and ourselves.
Here at Unihealth Southwoods Hospital Animal Bite Center, anti-rabies vaccine is administered by healthcare professionals.
This guide is created with Filipino households in mind, including those living in subdivisions, Barangay, rural areas, and cities like Biñan, Laguna, where pets and people live together close to each other.
Why is Rabies Awareness Important in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, the Department of Health and local government units have conducted vaccination programs throughout the nation. However, despite these proactive efforts, numerous cases of rabies are still continuously reported every year. Most of the human rabies cases are caused by dog bites, but cats can also transmit the virus.
The bad news is, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. But the great news is, itis preventable with timely vaccination. Rabies risk is present in both urban and rural communities, which makes education and early action especially important for pet owners.
How can Filipino Cat Owners Know the Signs of Rabies in Cats?
Cats in the Philippines usually roam freely, even those that have owners. This increases their risk of exposure to other animals that may have rabies. Knowing what the signs of rabies in cats are can help you respond quickly and safely.
Here are some early signs you can spot to see if your cat has rabies:
- Sudden change in personality, like becoming aggressive or unusually quiet
- Restlessness or hiding
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Dilated pupils
As for more severe symptoms, these are the signs your cat’s rabies may have progressed:
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Poor balance or paralysis
- Seizures
- Extreme aggression
If you notice any of these symptoms, please DO NOT touch the cat with bare hands.
Isolate the cat right away especially if you have other pets and contact your veterinarian or your local Barangay office.
How can Pinoy Dog Owners Know the Signs of Rabies in Dogs?
In the Philippines, unfortunately, dogs still remain as the primary carriers of rabies. This is why it is vital to recognize rabies symptoms in dogs as early as possible.
The earliest indication if a dog has rabies is sudden personality changes. A shy or timid dog can suddenly become clingy or affectionate and a lively and friendly dog can become nervous, irritable or seek hiding places more often.
Other early symptoms are fever, lethargy, and itchiness. The dog may suddenly lose interest in their favorite food or toy or they may relentlessly chew, lick, or scratch a recent bite they sustained.
Here are some more advanced symptoms to look for if you suspect a dog has rabies:
- Unprovoked aggression or biting
- Excessive barking or restlessness
- Foaming at the mouth
- Difficulty walking or sudden paralysis
- Sensitivity to light and sound
Knowing how to tell if a dog has rabies can help prevent the virus from spreading to humans, especially kids who may be playing with them in their neighborhood or surrounding area.
Cat and Dog Scratches: Can They Cause Rabies?
One of the most common questions in the Philippines about rabies is, “Can you get rabies from a cat or dog scratch?”.
Though not as common as transmission through bites, you CAN get rabies from scratches even when they are shallow. This happens when the infected animal’s saliva enters the scratch wound. For example, your cat licks its paws or claws and the next moment they scratch you because you accidentally stepped on their tail. There may be a chance the rabies virus can be passed on in this way. That’s why it’s important to take any scratches or bites from an unvaccinated or unknown animal seriously.
If a suspected infected animal scratches or bites you, here’s what you should immediately do:
- Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes
- Apply iodine or another antiseptic
- Go to the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center or hospital
Early action saves lives.
What are the Symptoms of Rabies in Humans?
Now that we know what symptoms to look for in cats and dogs, it is even more important that we know what rabies symptoms are in humans in order to prevent fatalities. Rabies does not cause symptoms right away. Even the earliest symptoms can manifest weeks or even a few months after you get exposed. Still, here are some of the early signs that a human may have rabies:
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness or fatigue
- Tingling or pain at the bite or scratch site
- Anxiety or irritability
Once the virus progresses and neurological symptoms start to show, like confusion, paralysis, or fear of water, rabies is almost always fatal. This is why you need to complete your anti-rabies vaccine shots right away after you get a scratch or get bitten.
Anti-Rabies Vaccine: Your Best Protection
Fortunately, the anti-rabies vaccine is widely available here in the Philippines. You can receive your shots at your nearest government-run Animal Bite Treatment Centers or if you’re in the Biñan, Laguna or surrounding areas, you can visit Unihealth Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center Animal Bite Center at Southwoods Ecocentrum. With numerous sources of the vaccine, this makes prevention accessible and affordable for most families.
Now you may ask, “how long is the anti-rabies vaccine effective in humans?”. For post exposure treatment, the vaccine provides long-term protection from the virus if you complete your full schedule. However, you may need booster shots if youget scratched or bitten again a few months after you completed your full vaccination schedule. The best practice is to also get booster shots every year after your first vaccination even if you don’t get any scratches or bites to maintain thevaccine’s effectivity.
Always follow the schedule given to you by your healthcare provider or ABTC.
Another common question about anti-rabies vaccines is, “Is three shots of anti-rabies enough?”. This depends on whether the exposure was a bite or a scratch, how big and deep the wound is, and your vaccination history.
Most treatments after exposure to rabies need multiple doses of anti-rabies vaccine over several days. Skipping or delaying your doses make the vaccine less effective, so completing the full course is very important.
Does Anti-Rabies Vaccine Have Side Effects?
Just like any other vaccine, the anti-rabies vaccine does have side effects but they are mild and does not last long.
Here are some of the most common side effects of anti-rabies vaccines:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever & Headache
- Fatigue
Severe reactions are rare and medical experts agree that the risk of side effects is far lower than the risk of rabies itself.
Do You Need to Avoid Anything After Receiving Your Anti-Rabies Vaccine?
After your vaccination, doctors usually advise you to avoid the following:
- Avoid consuming alcohol for a few days
- Do not overwork yourself physically
- Get enough rest and avoid unnecessary stress
- Complete all doses of anti-rabies vaccine on time
These steps help your body build stronger and long-lasting immunity.
How Can You Tell if a Cat or Dog is Safe After a Bite?
Here in the Philippines, the standard practice includes an observation period of 10-14 days for the biting animal.
If the animal remains healthy, then most likely, It does not have rabies. However, If it becomes sick or dies, treatment should be conducted right away. Additionally, just observing is never enough. You should always get vaccinated right away after you get scratched or bitten.
Preventing the Spread of Rabies in Filipino Homes and Barangays
Rabies prevention should start at home and extend to the surrounding community. Here are some steps that you and your local community can take to prevent or limit the spread of rabies:
- Keep your pets vaccinated every year.
- Avoid letting your pets roam in the streets freely as much as possible to prevent contact with other animals that may have been exposed to rabies.
- Support your local barangay’s vaccination drives.
- Teach your children or children around your area to avoid playing with stray animals.
- Report suspected rabies cases to your local authorities to cut the spread as early as possible.
Through the collaboration and collective effort of your community, you can help achieve the goal of a rabies-free Philippines.
Caring For Your Pets Means Protecting Lives
Rabies is a terrifying disease. It brings immense pain for both animals and humans. However, it is highly preventable. By learning the signs of rabies in common carriers like cats and dogs, how it shows up in humans, and how the anti-rabies vaccine works, you can protect both your fur babies and your loved ones.
Get your anti-rabies vaccine at Unihealth Southwoods Hospital today. Stay informed. Stay protected. Early action saves lives.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is Anti-Rabies Vaccine covered by PhilHealth?
- Yes, it is covered by PhilHealth in their Animal Bite Treatment Package worth 3,000 pesos.
Can I take a bath after getting the anti-rabies vaccine?
- It is a myth that you shouldn’t take a bath after receiving your anti-rabies shots. You definitely can and you should to maintain good hygiene and prevent infections.
Can I drink alcohol while getting my anti-rabies shots?
- It is highly recommended to avoid drinking alcoholic drinks during the course of your anti-rabies vaccine, usually between 14-28 days.
Is the anti-rabies vaccine safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
- Yes, it is completely safe to get anti-rabies shots while pregnant or breastfeeding.
What should I do if I missed a dose of my anti-rabies vaccine?
- Go back immediately to the treatment center. If you missed your shot by just –2 days, your doctor would usually continue with the vaccination schedule. However, if you missed it for a significant amount of time, your doctor may need to adjust your schedule, or in rare cases, restart completely. Please DO NOT STOP just because you missed a dose.