- Dr. Shawn Wharrey
- Jul 8
- 6 min read
Despite its non-threatening name, rabbit fever is anything but mild. In fact, it’s a fairly serious infection that pet parents should have on their radar. Also known as Tularemia, rabbit fever is a bacterial disease that naturally occurs in wildlife like rabbit, hares and rodents — but it doesn’t stop there. Rabbit fever can spread to dogs, cats and even humans. Call or visit VEG ER for Pets right away if you suspect your pet has rabbit fever.
As pet parents, knowing how this illness moves from the outdoors into everyday life is key to keeping everyone safe.
Symptoms of rabbit fever in pets
Tick infestation is usually a prerequisite for this infection, but it is not the only way that an animal can contract rabbit fever. If there are no ticks present, the other symptoms can be used to generate a diagnosis. The most common symptoms of rabbit fever are:
Stiffness in the limbs
Increased pulse and respiratory rate
Frequent urination
Skin ulcers
Fainting or collapse
In extreme cases and if left untreated, rabbit fever has a high fatality rate in cats. Collapsing and death can happen within hours. The fatality rate is much lower in dogs, but prompt treatment remains necessary.
In mild cases, the symptoms might be less clear, and your vet might have to do some tests to confirm the diagnosis. Type C rabbit fever can be so mild that there are few symptoms, and many animals with Type C are not accurately diagnosed.
Causes of rabbit fever in cats, dogs and humans
Rabbit fever typically requires contact with infected animals or environments to spread. Common ways of transmission include:
Direct contact with wildlife.
Handling or coming into contact with infected rabbits, hares, or rodents.
Hunting or scavenging behavior (in pets).
Dogs and cats may be exposed by catching or interacting with infected animals.
Tick and insect bites.
Bites from ticks, deer flies, or other insects that carry the bacteria.
Contaminated environments.
Contact with infected soil, water, or vegetation — especially on hikes with your dog.
Handling infected tissues.
Exposure by touching carcasses or animal remains — a risk for both pets and
humans.
Bites from infected animals.
Humans can catch rabbit fever from infected wild animals or pets that bite them.
Types of rabbit fever in pets
There are three types of rabbit fever that are listed below:
Type A
The first is Type A. This is the version of the illness that is most likely to be severe. Type A is common in North America but less likely to impact animals in other parts of the world.
Type B
Type B infections are milder in most cases and are more likely to be caused by contact with ticks, fleas, and flies. Type B is more commonly related to contaminated water in North America and Eurasia.
Type C
There is also a third type of rabbit fever, which is the least common and the least severe of the possible kinds that your pet could contract. Type C might not even show symptoms because it is so mild, or it might be confused with another kind of illness.
This condition is not a factor in Hawaii. Rabbit fever is most common in the south-central US and also in the western US. California, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Montana are common places for this bacterial infection to be seen in pet populations.
In addition, dogs are much less likely to catch rabbit fever than cats. Pet owners should be aware that they can get rabbit fever from their pets and should observe care while their pet is in treatment to avoid being bitten by their pet.
How to prevent rabbit fever in pets
Rabbit fever starts outdoors — but prevention can start with you. A few simple habits can significantly reduce your pet’s risk:
Limit wildlife encounters.
Keep pets from hunting or interacting with rabbits, rodents, or unknown animals.
Use flea & tick prevention year-round.
Insects can carry the bacteria, so consistent protection matters.
Avoid contaminated water or areas.
Skip puddles, standing water, and spots with animal activity especially during hikes.
Check your pet after outdoor time.
Look for ticks or anything unusual.
Handle wildlife with care.
Never touch dead animals with bare hands.
Contact VEG animal hospital.
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to rabbit fever, seek urgent veterinary care immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to other pets and people.
In short: Less contact with wildlife = lower risk.
Treatment of rabbit fever in pets
The most common treatment for this condition is antibiotic therapy. Early treatment can make a big difference in halting the progression of the symptoms. Control can be more difficult as the disease progresses into later stages. Owners of pets who have been exposed are also usually guided in proper tick prevention for their pets and in the correct management of their pet’s environment.
Some areas of the world are more prone to these kinds of risks, and the protocols in these areas might be different than the necessary precautions that will be suggested in areas where the condition is less common. Animals that recover from this illness will have long-lasting immunity in most cases, but that does not mean that they cannot be infected again.
Animals that have secondary symptoms that are severe might need to be hospitalized or kept at the vet for observation. Severe cases do not always have the best prognosis, and these cases will typically end up in the ICU ward at the vet. Managing the care of pets that have ended up with secondary organ problems and severe dehydration might take a couple of weeks to fully heal from their infection. Some animals will also have long-lasting health issues related to rabbit fever infection.
Contact VEG Animal Hospital if your pet has rabbit fever
We’re open 24/7. Call or walk in; No appointment taken.
If you have a dog or a cat and you live in any area where rabbit fever is common, you should take care that you and your pets do not end up getting sick with this bacterial infection. There are three types of this condition, and they are connected with varying intensity of symptoms in most cases. Be aware that you can get rabbit fever from your pet if they should bite you while they are actively infected.
Pets that might have rabbit fever should be taken to see the vet right away. Preventing the progression of this condition is important, especially if your pet has one of the more severe types. Proper tick and fly prevention can be key, and you should also be sure that your pet is not allowed to drink contaminated water or consume dead animals that might be found outside.
For more information or if you would like to speak to an emergency vet, contact VEG by calling one of our locations. At every VEG location, our emergency veterinarians are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and are fully equipped to handle any situation that comes our way. We are dedicated to providing high quality emergency care to every pet that comes through our door.
Rabbit fever FAQs: What every pet parent should know
What is rabbit fever?
Rabbit fever (also known as tularemia) is a rare but serious bacterial infection that starts in wildlife — especially rabbits, hares, and rodents — but can also infect dogs, cats, and even humans. It’s a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread between animals and humans. This condition is most common in specific parts of North America, and it is also seen in Eurasia.
How is rabbit fever spread?
Rabbit fever is usually spread through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Common ways include:
Direct contact with infected wildlife (especially rabbits and rodents)
Tick or insect bites carrying the bacteria
Through contaminated water or soil, especially during hikes
Hunting or eating infected prey by cats and dogs
Can rabbit fever kill my dog?
Yes, but it’s less common in dogs. Dogs are more resistant and may only develop mild symptoms. That said, if left untreated, severe cases can become life-threatening. Early vet care makes a big difference.
Can rabbit fever kill my cat?
Cats are more vulnerable than dogs and tend to get sicker if infected. In some cases, rabbit fever can be fatal — especially if it’s not treated quickly. If your cat spends time outdoors or hunts, it’s important to stay alert to symptoms. Call VEG emergency hospital and speak to a vet right away. Prompt treatment for rabbit fever in cats is imperative.
How is rabbit fever treated at the vet?
Treatment is very effective — especially when caught early. Your vet will typically:
Prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection
Provide fluids if your pet is dehydrated or weak
Recommend monitoring or hospitalization in more serious cases
Bottom line: the sooner the treatment starts, the better the outcome.
