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  • Facts about Rabies You Should Know

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    Rabies is a zoonotic disease that every pet owner (and really every person) needs to know about. A zoonotic disease is one that can be passed from animal to person, which is a reason why we need to be careful around our own animals and those that roam the neighborhood (and farm).

    What animals can get rabies?

    • The most common animals to carry rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
    • Humans are more likely to get rabies from an infected bat than any other animal.
    • Livestock can also become infected by rabies.
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    What are the signs of rabies?

    • Though most people assume that rabid animals are going to have erratic behavior, drool, and become aggressive, those aren’t the most common signs.
    • In fact, the signs of rabies are varied. Most commonly, animals may be acting quiet and depressed, though they also may act erratically.
    • Early signs are often just a change in behavior and temperament.

    How is rabies transmitted from one animal to another?

    Rabies is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, through his or her saliva.

    The other animal or human will get rabies when the infected saliva gets into his or her system, though an open wound or fresh abrasion. It can also get in the mucous membranes or the eyes!

    What should you do if you are bitten by any animal (whether you are worried about rabies)?

    • Any bite wound should be washed out with plenty of soap and water.
    • If you were bitten by a dog or a cat, you need to ask the owner to make sure that the pet is up-to-date on his or her rabies vaccine.
    • You should seek medical attention if needed.
    • If the owner can’t provide rabies information (or it is wild), you need to talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room. You may need treatment for rabies, just in case.
    • If you have the wild animal that bit you or a bat that was in the house with you, you should get it tested for rabies.
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    What should you do if your dog or cat was bitten?

    • Many times, we don’t see what has gotten our dog or cat. We simply see the bite wound.
    • However, if you do see what got your animal, and it is another dog or cat, you need to make sure that that dog or cat is up-to-date with his or her rabies vaccine.
    • If it is a wild animal, you need to euthanize it and test it for rabies.
    • Your own pet should get his or her rabies vaccine updated, as a precaution. If it is overdue, you definitely need to get the rabies vaccine done as soon as possible.
    • Then, you need to confine your dog or cat for a few months. This is to watch for any signs of rabies. You shouldn’t handle your dog or cat during this time, because you don’t want to have to worry about getting any saliva on you.
    • How long you have to quarantine your pet depends on several factors. Plus, the rules are always changing. While most pets will die within ten days of getting symptoms, it can take a few months to show those symptoms! Check with your veterinarian for the latest protocols.
    • If your dog or cat shows any signs of disease, you need to get him or her checked out right away. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog is going to get aggressive right away. You may notice that he or she simply doesn’t feel good. Your dog or cat may not be eating as well as normal.

    How can you protect your family (and pets)?

    If you want to protect your family, you need to start with your pets. You need to make sure that your pet has a rabies vaccine. In fact, many states require both dogs and cats to have an up-to-date rabies vaccine.

    You also want to use caution around wildlife. If an animal that is wondering outside looks sick, you need to stay away. Don’t let anyone in your family near it. Most likely, it will move on.

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    Rabies is a serious disease and one that is very preventable! You can keep your family safe by vaccinating your pets and watching out for wildlife. However, if you or your pet gets bitten, you need to make sure that you get the medical attention that you need!

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    Please note, this information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • Reasons Your Dog Needs Vaccines

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    Vaccinations have become quite controversial in recent years. Increasingly, parents aren’t vaccinating their children, despite their pediatrician’s recommendations. And the whole country is in a state of uncertainty about the new Coronavirus vaccine that has been released. Many are rushing to get protected, while others are simply unsure about it yet.

    This also leads owners to question whether their pets need to be vaccinated. This is even more true with pet owners who have seen a vaccine reaction in their dog. Though it can be a simple puffy face, the truth is that vaccines can sometimes cause a serious problem. Others simply don’t want to worry about vaccinating their dog because they don’t want to spend the extra money.

    However, not vaccinating your dog can be a big mistake. Here are some reasons why your dog should be vaccinated.

    It is the law

    All states require both dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. This disease can be spread to humans, which is why it is the law. In fact, you could find yourself in a lot of legal trouble if your dog hasn’t had a rabies shot.

    You should protect yourself and your entire family

    The truth is that dogs can pass certain diseases onto people. These are called zoonotic diseases.

    Simple vaccinations can help prevent the spread of certain diseases, such as Rabies. Leptospirosis is another such disease. It can cause kidney and liver problems in both dogs and people. To protect yourself and your family, consider vaccinating your dogs.

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    And your dog

    Vaccines were developed to protect dogs from certain diseases that are easily passed from one dog to another. The distemper shot, also known as a DHPP, alone covers Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.

    Ask any veterinarian that you know, and these diseases have not been commonly seen for the past few years. However, as more people decide not to vaccinate their dogs, we are seeing a rise in various diseases, some of which can be highly infectious. Some are even fatal.

    Vaccines will also protect other dogs.

    While your own family and dog should be the most important to you, the truth is that, by vaccinating your dog, you are helping to protect other dogs too!

    You should think about all the dogs that aren’t healthy enough to be vaccinated, as well as those that aren’t vaccinated for any number of reasons. You wouldn’t want your dog to catch any disease, simply because you didn’t vaccinate him or her.

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    It’s not just about the vaccines

    When you take your dog to the veterinarian for his or her vaccines, you should realize that it is not only about the vaccines. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to ensure your dog’s health. This is also a good opportunity to identify and address any issues early. It is also much easier to treat problems before they get even worse (and become more expensive to treat).

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    If you are undecided about whether to vaccinate your dog, it is essential to understand the reasons why vaccination is beneficial. You need to protect yourself and your family against diseases that can be spread to you, such as Rabies and Leptospirosis.

    You should also think about your dog. Not only that, but you don’t want him or her to get some diseases, just because you didn’t get him or her vaccinated. It is also essential to consider the examination that accompanies the vaccines. You need to make sure that your dog is as healthy as possible.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please get in touch with a veterinary health professional immediately.