Are my Pets Safe from Rabies?
Every year on September 28, World Rabies Day is observed to increase public awareness of a disease that continues to kill millions of humans and animals worldwide. The virus that causes rabies damages the neurological and brain tissues of mammals. As a zoonotic disease spread by saliva or bite wounds, dogs and cats, among other domestic and wild animals, are susceptible to contracting the infection. This blog post will address the possibility of rabies in dogs and cats as well as the need of taking precautions to keep them safe.
Yes, rabies may infect both cats and dogs. These are the two household animals that contract the virus most often. Although the disease is uncommon in cats and dogs in the US, it is nevertheless common in many other countries, particularly underdeveloped nations with poor access to immunization and animal control services. Animal bites are the most common way that the virus is spread to pets through the saliva of infected animals. Once within the animal’s body, the virus quickly spreads throughout the nervous system, eventually resulting in death.
Signs and Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats can have rabies signs and symptoms that are identical to those of people. Pets may exhibit modest symptoms like behavioral changes, fever, and appetite loss in the early stages of the virus. They could experience increasingly severe symptoms like seizures, aggressiveness, paralysis, and trouble swallowing as the infection worsens. The “dumb” form of rabies, which is more common in dogs, causes the animal to grow lethargic and weak until dying. The “furious” variety, which is more prevalent in cats, is characterized by hyperactivity, aggression, and disorientation.
Preventing Rabies in Dogs and Cats
The best way to prevent rabies in dogs and cats is vaccination. All cats and dogs should receive a rabies vaccine as part of their routine vaccination schedule. This will offer protection against the virus and reduce the risk of infection in humans. In addition to vaccination, pet owners should take preventive measures such as keeping their pets indoors and avoiding contact with stray or wild animals. If another animal has bitten your pet, seek immediate veterinary care and report the incident to the local animal control authorities.
Both humans and animals can contract the serious and frequently fatal disease rabies. Pets worldwide continue to perish from the virus, even though the illness is uncommon in dogs and cats in the United States. As a result, it’s crucial to take precautions to shield your pets from rabies. The best defense against the illness is vaccination, although pet owners should keep their animals away from stray or wild animals. Please get in touch with us to arrange for your cherished pets to receive a rabies vaccination as World Rabies Day draws near. When we work together, the battle against rabies may be won!