How to Protect Your Pet from Rabies

Your pet plays an important role in your life they give you love, attention, cuddles, kisses, and are trustworthy and loyal. They are family and you are responsible for their health and wellbeing therefore we put together tips on how to protect your pet from rabies.

What is rabies?

Rabies lyssavirus, formerly Rabies virus is a viral infection of the brain that is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases occur in wild animals (bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes) but any mammal can get rabies.

What are the symptoms?

Excessive salivation- foaming at the mouth.
Extreme excitability
Fever-a high temperature is one of the body’s responses to a viral infection.
Seizers
Unable to swallow
Vomiting- usually a sign that your dog is fighting off something.
Dropped jaw
Aggressive behavior

If you notice any of these symptoms listed above make sure to take your pet to a qualified vet!

What can you do to prevent rabies?

Vaccinate your dog against rabies- The most effective way to keep your pet rabies-free is by keeping their rabies vaccination up-to-date. The vaccine ensures that your dog is protected however if your dog was bitten the best way to ensure their health is to take them to a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will tell you exactly when to come back next time for a shot because it depends on your county’s laws.
Always keep an eye on them- If you’re in the woods going camping or exposed to wildlife, keep your pets away from injured or dead animals to keep them from getting an infection.
Report sick animals- If you notice a raccoon or a wild animal wandering around your neighborhood acting aggressively, you can call animal control to remove stray animals, this way you keep your family and other families safe.
Stay informed about rabies