Rabies Prevention
September 28 of every year is deemed World Rabies Day, and focuses on prevention and awareness. Rabies is preventable via vaccine and taking the proper precautions.
Approximately 5,000 cases are reported each year to the CDC, with more than 90% being wildlife. Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal. People, pets, horses and livestock can all become infected. Rabies infects the central nervous system, which eventually leads to death. any mammal can contract rabies, but it most commonly affects animals like bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons.
Keep yourself and your Pet safe from Rabies by following these tips:
- Vaccinate your pet! This is the most effective way to prevent rabies. It is available and should be given to dogs, cats and ferrets.
- Keep your pet separated from wild animals that may have this virus.
- Do not keep wild animals as pets.
- Supervise your pet outside. If possible, especially with pups, watch them while they play outside. If they have a tendency to chase small animals, they may be bitten.
- If you find an injured animal, do not touch it. Contact local authorities.
If someone is bitten or exposed to Rabies:
- Rinse out the wound right away.
- Confine the animal if it is safe to do so without handling directly. If it is not, wait for animal control.
- Consult a physician or veterinarian.
- Report this to the local health authorities.
Early symptoms of Rabies:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
Signs after Rabies has progressed:
- Weakness
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- difficulty breathing
- Abnormal Behavior
- Aggression
It is important to keep you pet safe, that you take proper precautions and get them vaccinated against Rabies. Call animal control if there are animals in your area you feel are a safety risk to you and your pets. To schedule a low cost vaccine appointment for your pet, visit our Clinic Services Page.