What is Rabies?
What is Rabies?
Rabies is an acute viral infection that is invariably fatal. It affects all warm-blooded animals including dogs and cats. The disease is almost always caused by the bite of an infected animal that has rabies virus in its saliva.
What are the signs of Rabies?
Once the rabies virus inters the body, it travels along the nerves to the brain. It can take a matter of days, weeks or months for your pet to show signs of the rabies virus. These are common signs of Rabies virus infection:
- Change in attitude – nervousness, anxiety, shyness, aggressiveness, restlessness
- Disorientation
- Incoordination, weakness, seizures, paralysis
- Change in tone of bark
- Excessive salivation or frothing
- Loss of fear of humans
- Nocturnal animals seen wandering in the day
What is the prognosis for Rabies?
The prognosis is grave. All dogs will succumb to the virus within 7 to 10 days from the onset of clinical signs.
How is Rabies prevented?
Rabies can be prevented by vaccination. As such, vaccinating your dog is critical. There is both a city and state law mandating that all dogs be vaccinated for Rabies. This is for the protection of both your dog as well as people since human exposure can have dire consequences. Talk to us to discuss the best recommendations for preventing Rabies in your pet through a vaccination program.