Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can affect both animals and humans, and it's one of the most important vaccinations for your pet. Whether your pet is indoor or outdoor, it’s an essential step in protecting their health and the health of your family.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via bites, scratches, or when the saliva comes into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes (like the eyes, mouth, or nose). The virus attacks the central nervous system and leads to severe symptoms that can be fatal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal.
Why Is Vaccination So Important?
The only effective way to prevent rabies is through vaccination. The rabies vaccine is safe and highly effective. By vaccinating your pet, you ensure they are protected from the virus and will not pose a risk to your family or other animals if they are bitten by a potentially rabid animal.
While rabies was once mostly associated with wild animals, the prevalence of rabies in bats is on the rise. Bats can carry and spread the disease, making it even more important to keep your pets vaccinated, even if they never go outside.
Precautions to Reduce Risk
In addition to vaccination, there are steps you can take to minimize your pet’s exposure to rabies:
- Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, both wild and domestic.
- Keep dogs on a leash when walking outdoors, especially in areas where wild animals may be present.
- Report animals behaving strangely to local authorities
What to Do if Your Pet Is Bitten
If your pet is bitten by a potentially rabid animal, it’s critical to take immediate action. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water (wear gloves to protect your own skin), and contact your veterinarian right away. If you or anyone in your household is bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is a reportable disease, and bites from potentially infected animals must be reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada. While rabies is treatable in humans if addressed immediately after the contact has occurred, once symptoms appear, survival is very unlikely.
Conclusion
Vaccinating your pet against rabies is one of the most important steps you can take to protect them and your family. By vaccinating your pet, you can help reduce the spread of this deadly disease, making your home and community safer for everyone.
