What is a common symptom of rabies in animals?

Foaming at the mouth is a well-known symptom of rabies in animals, particularly due to the viral infection affecting the nervous system. This condition occurs when an animal has difficulty swallowing, leading to the accumulation of saliva that can result in foaming. Rabies also often causes other neurological symptoms, such as aggression, confusion, or paralysis, but foaming at the mouth is one of the most visually recognized indicators of the disease.

In contrast, excessive barking can be a sign of various conditions or distress in animals, but it is not specifically linked to rabies. A shiny coat is typically associated with good health and nutrition, not rabies, while hyperactivity may also occur in various situations unrelated to the disease. Thus, foaming at the mouth distinctly indicates rabies and is crucial for diagnosis and public health awareness regarding this dangerous zoonotic disease.