September 28 is recognized as World Rabies Day! Rabies is a pet parent’s worst nightmare! Today is the day to be aware of the cold hard facts and how to prevent this horrible disease. Its ideal to know about rabies and how to protect your pet from the dreaded infection. Rabies is nearly always fatal so make sure you read – and you read CAREFULLY.
Well, what exactly is rabies? Everyone knows that it’s a terrible disease usually developed from a bite of another animal that has it – but how is it exactly defined? Rabies is a severe infection that affects the matter of the dog’s brain and central nervous system. Once the virus is in the animals’s body, it incubates in the body for 3 to 8 weeks. After the virus reaches the brain it becomes fatal.
What are the symptoms of rabies? When your pet gets infected it may show extreme behavior change. The animal may bite at any form of stimulus and attack humans, other animals and even inanimate objects! If you fail to notice this behavior, symptoms can worsen. The pet will then develop paralysis of the throat and jaw which produces foaming at the mouth. Unfortunately this leads to weakness, seizures and deaths.
How can my dog get rabies? Rabies is primarily passed down through a bite from an infected animal. Keep in mind dogs aren’t the only species that develop rabies! Another way it can be passed down is through an infected wound or scratch.
What can I do to prevent rabies? Here is a list of ways to ensure that your pet stays rabies free!
- Keep your pets vaccine up to date! Especially with a young puppy or kitten, they should receive their first vaccination at 12 weeks. Many animal control agencies even offer free or low-cost rabies vaccinations!
- If another animal bites your pet or vice-versa consult your veterinarian immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
- Do not let your pets roam! Especially if you live in a woodsy area where wild animals are present. Keep them under supervision so they don’t come in contact with any dangerous wild animals.
- If you see a stray animal in your neighborhood that seems to be infected call animal control to pick it up and prevent it from infecting others.
- Don’t handle wild animals. They may be cute and furry but they could be containing rabies! Unless you’re an expert its advised to stay away from strays.
World Rabies Day was launched back in 2007 by The Global Alliance For Rabies Control. The main goal is to raise awareness to this deadly disease to cause more and more prevention. Remember its good to be knowledgeable! All it takes is one bite, make sure your pet is protected!
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