Rabies is a dangerous virus that can cause serious illness in all mammals, including dogs, cats and even humans. A viral disease that affects the central nervous system, in particular the brain and spinal cord, there is unfortunately no cure for rabies. Because of its level of seriousness, it is extremely important to take steps to protect your pet and make sure they are properly vaccinated.
Rabies is spread by contact with the saliva of any infected animal, which makes it a highly zoonotic disease – transferrable to both humans and animals when they intersect. In most cases, transmission of rabies to a pet is through a bite wound, but it has been known to spread from a simple scratch or existing open wound. Rabies is not only harmful to you and your pet – it is a public health risk, with dangers to everyone that cannot be stressed enough.
Rabies pet protection is an important aspect of pet ownership and is something that should be done proactively. There are numerous steps you can take as a pet owner to ensure your pet is protected against the viral disease, some of which we will go over below.
In order to better protect your pet from becoming infected with rabies, it may also be helpful for you to have an understanding of its most common signs and symptoms. If you have any questions regarding this information, please do not hesitate to contact you’re your local vet. It is a vet’s mission to ensure your pet is as healthy as possible with the most up-to-date vaccinations to protect both you and your pet from this serious disease.
Signs of Rabies in Pets
Below is a list of the most common signs of rabies. If you happen to notice any of these symptoms in your pet, please contact your vet immediately.
- Behavioral changes in the early stages – your pet may appear anxious, aggressive or more friendly than normal
- Hypersensitivity to light and sound
- Possibility of seizures
- They may become extremely vicious
- In the final stages – paralysis of the nerves that control the head and throat
Prevention Tips to Ensure Optimal Protection from Rabies
Here are some important tips that will help you protect your pet from rabies:
- Make sure you understand the rabies law in your area. You can do this by contacting your local animal control agency or health department.
- Always keep your pet’s rabies vaccine up to date.
- Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate in a convenient location.
- If your pet is bitten by another domestic animal, contact your veterinarian immediately and ask the other pet owner to show you proof of rabies vaccination.
- If your pet comes in contact with a wild animal and receives a bite, scratch or other wound, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Rabies pet protection is an important aspect of pet ownership, and it is therefore important for you to have a good understanding of what you should be doing in order to keep everyone safe and healthy from this dangerous virus. Protecting the pet, protects the family.
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