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September 27, 2018
How to Protect Your Pet From Rabies
World Rabies Day
The rabies virus invites a startling and unpleasant image of infected animals and is something all pet owners would like to avoid. We all want our pets to be safe, happy and healthy, and while rabies can seem intimidating, there are many ways in which you can protect your pets from this disease.
Keep your pets vaccinations up to date!
Regular visits to the vet are a key factor in keeping your pets safe from rabies. It is important to make sure that your pets rabies vaccinations are always up-to-date. Dogs and cats can receive their first rabies vaccinations between 3 and 6 months of age depending on the area. After that, you should take your pet to be vaccinated again exactly one year later. After this, your pets will only need to receive a booster shot every three years. This vaccination will produce its own antibodies against the rabies virus, which is an incurable disease once it has been transmitted to your pet. For this reason, it is considered to be a core vaccination and is vital for your pets safety.
Ask your vet about their recommendations on how frequently a booster shot should be given for the rabies vaccination, as it can vary from place to place. It’s always best to be safe rather than to take a chance, even if your cat is an indoor cat or you always supervise your dog when outdoors. Anything could happen, which is why the rabies vaccine is so important.
Supervise your pups and keep your cats indoors!
Even if your pet has been vaccinated for rabies, it is always best to keep a close eye on them when they are outdoors. The rabies virus is most commonly spread by bats, but it is possible to cross paths with an infected or rabid animal. The most common in the city would be a raccoon or a bat, as smaller animals rarely survive the initial bite for very long. Always keep an eye out for wildlife and try to keep your distance.
It is important to keep an eye on your dog, as they are always going to smell something before you see it and will likely know that it is there before you do. For this reason, your dog will be very alert to the wildlife or to a deceased or ill animal and may become curious. Watch your dog for signs of interest and always make sure you know that he is sniffing around in a safe area.
On the other hand, while cats may not need as much supervision, they are highly susceptible to rabies. Especially if they are typically allowed outdoors on their own. It is always best to keep your cat indoors as it is safest for them to avoid contact with wildlife.
Avoid contact with injured or deceased wildlife
As mentioned, smaller animals – such as squirrels – rarely survive the initial bite that infects them. However, they are still infected even after they have passed on. Because of this, it is very important to make sure that you steer clear of any deceased wildlife while out for a walk with your dog. You and your pup should not come into contact with the wildlife at all.
If you see an injured animal, it is always best to call animal control rather than trying to do something about it yourself. While it’s only natural to want to help, it’s always best to let the professionals handle the situation as it is the safest option for both you and your pet in case the animal in question is carrying the rabies disease.
Not all animals with the rabies disease display aggression. Some animals with rabies may act timid, or shy, which can often be misleading. The only way to be sure that an animal has been infected by rabies is to conduct a test in a laboratory. That is why it is always better to be safe and call animal control rather than trying to approach the animal yourself and risking the safety of both yourself and your pet.
Stay informed about rabies
There are a variety of ways that you can learn about rabies as well as about the animals that carry them. Do some light research to see what common animals may carry the disease. It is important to recognize a potential carrier before you and your beloved pets are approached. Just as well, it is extremely important to recognize the symptoms of rabies, such as; fever, seizures, inability to swallow, unusual shyness or aggression, lack of coordination, excessive salivation and excessive excitement.
If you suspect that your pet may have rabies, it is important to call their veterinarian immediately. If you feel that you yourself are at risk, it is important to call animal control to handle the animal in question for your own safety and for theirs.
Do not attempt to approach or handle wildlife
It can sometimes be tempting to try to coax wildlife to you. However, it is important to remember not to come into contact with the wildlife, or to feed wild animals. This is for the benefit and well being of the wildlife. Feeding them will cause them to continue to return for food, which will increase your risk of coming into contact with rabies. Similarly, trying to handle wildlife may put you in danger as well.
While wildlife is definitely interesting, and often times, adorable, you should always remember that it is for your safety, the safety of your pets, and the conservation of the wildlife itself that you keep your distance and never handle the animals yourself.
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