Rabies: Understanding the Threat and How to Protect Your Pet
Rabies is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of pet owners, and for good reason. It’s a deadly virus that can affect both animals and humans, with potentially fatal consequences. As a pet-loving community, understanding rabies is key to protecting not just our furry friends, but ourselves and our families. At Express Vets, we believe in keeping our clients informed about crucial health issues. This post will help you understand what rabies is, how it spreads, and what steps you can take to ensure your pet stays safe from this terrifying disease.
Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms and, if untreated, almost certain death. It can affect any mammal, but dogs, cats, and wildlife like raccoons, bats, and foxes are the most common carriers. The virus is transmitted through saliva, typically via a bite from an infected animal. Once inside the body, it travels along the nerves to the brain, where it causes inflammation and a range of distressing symptoms, including aggression, confusion, paralysis, and seizures. The incubation period can vary from a few days to several months, depending on the location of the bite and the amount of virus injected.
For pets, the signs of rabies can be subtle at first—like a change in behavior, slight fever, or loss of appetite—but these quickly escalate. An infected pet might become unusually aggressive, snapping or biting without provocation, or they may grow increasingly agitated and restless. Some pets may show the opposite: lethargy, excessive drooling, and an aversion to light and water. These symptoms progress rapidly, leading to paralysis and ultimately death. Due to the severe nature of rabies, euthanasia is often recommended for affected pets to prevent suffering and reduce the risk of transmission to humans and other animals.
Given the gravity of rabies, prevention is critical. The cornerstone of rabies prevention in pets is vaccination. In the United States, rabies vaccination is not just recommended—it’s legally required in most states for dogs and cats. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your pet from rabies. When your pet receives a rabies vaccine, they build immunity against the virus, which drastically reduces the chances of them contracting the disease if exposed. Your veterinarian will advise you on the vaccination schedule, which typically starts when a puppy or kitten is around three months old and continues with regular boosters throughout their lives.
Aside from vaccination, minimizing your pet’s exposure to potentially rabid animals is crucial. Keeping pets indoors, especially at night when wildlife is most active, can significantly reduce their risk. Avoid letting your pets roam freely in areas where rabies is prevalent. If your pet is bitten or scratched by an unknown animal, seek veterinary care immediately. Even if your pet is vaccinated, additional booster shots may be necessary to ensure their safety.
Understanding the risks of rabies extends beyond pets—it’s about community health, too. Rabies remains a serious public health concern worldwide, with the virus responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths annually. Thankfully, in the U.S., due to aggressive vaccination campaigns and public awareness, human rabies cases are rare. However, this doesn’t mean we can let our guard down. Pets serve as the first line of defense against the spread of rabies to humans. By ensuring that our dogs and cats are vaccinated, we protect not just them but also ourselves, our families, and our community.
Rabies may sound like something from a horror movie, but it's very real. The good news is that with proper prevention, it’s entirely avoidable. At Express Vets, we urge all pet owners to stay vigilant, keep up with vaccinations, and avoid contact with unknown animals. Remember, rabies is 100% preventable with the right precautions. So, let’s work together to keep our pets, families, and communities safe from this deadly disease.
Protect your pet and your community from rabies by ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date. Schedule your appointment with Express Vets today by visiting one of our convenient locations or call us at 678-EXPRESS to keep your furry friend safe and healthy.
