Signs of rabies in dogs and cats can vary widely — not all infected animals appear aggressive or foam at the mouth. Early signs often include behavior changes, such as unusual shyness, restlessness, or aggression, along with fever and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, animals may show excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, paralysis, unsteady movement, or seizures. In some cases, they become quiet and withdrawn rather than violent — known as the “dumb form” of rabies. Any sudden, unexplained behavior change in an unvaccinated pet should be treated as a potential warning sign, and the animal should be kept away from humans and taken to a vet immediately.