How to prevent rabies in dogs and help your dog deal with the illness should be among your priorities. This can be one of the most serious diseases dogs can get, because once symptoms start to show, it’s often too late and unfortunately, death is unfortunately unpreventable. The signs & symptoms of rabies in dogs are similar to those of the common cold. Fever, a general loss of appetite, lethargy and muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and clouded, watery eyes are some of the common early signs and symptoms of rabies. If you notice any of these things in your dog, you should talk to your vet as soon as possible.
How is rabies virus transmitted to dogs? Rabies is transmitted to dogs through a bite from another infected animal. It is highly contagious and passed easily from one pet to another. Outbreaks of rabies in the United States occur mainly in packs of dogs that have been in contact with one another for a long period of time. Pets that frequent outdoor parks, zoos, and other public areas are more susceptible to developing rabies.
There are various ways to prevent the transmission of rabies in dogs and help your dog survive the infection if he or she does contract it. The easiest way to prevent the spread of rabies is to keep your pet rabies free. All pets should be vaccinated against rabies. However, because some dogs will not be vaccinated due to past medical problems or genetics, you should still vaccinate your dogs yearly. Rabies vaccination clinics should be located at local veterinaries so that you can be sure your dog has received all necessary rabies shots.
When was the last time you took your dog to the veterinarian for a rabies vaccination? Rabies vaccination clinics offer vaccinations at a reasonable price and are conveniently located near all cities and schools in the united states. Rabies vaccination clinics also offer the service of microchips, which are intended to identify the exact strain of rabies in the event that the dog becomes infected. Microchips are used to identify the strain so that treatment can be started immediately. Rabies is a fatal illness, so having your pet microchipped immediately following the bite will allow your vet to begin treatment right away and keep your dog alive in the long run.
How should you deal with any possible signs that your dog has been bitten by another animal? Rabies may not cause any outward signs, but internal symptoms such as severe muscle and joint pain and discomfort, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea are often experienced in dogs that have been bitten by another animal. Signs of rabies include a loss of appetite, weight loss, and an altered nervous system, which may include seizures or foaming of the mouth and nasal cavities. These symptoms, if not treated immediately, could progress into weakness and eventually brain damage. Rabies is only spread through biting. Rabies does not pass from one pet to another through any kind of food or water.
Where can you locate a Rabies vaccination clinics? You can contact your local veterinary clinic or search online for a rabies vaccination center. In most states, clinics are required to be opened at least once a year. Rabies vaccination is highly recommended for domestic and feral (neighborhood) pets. However, the disease can spread rapidly through infected animals in close proximity, so it’s important to vaccinate all your pets. Remember to bring along the vaccines when traveling outside the United States to prevent the disease from affecting your domestic animals.
How do I find out if my pet needs Rabies shots or Distemper vaccinations? The veterinarian will give you specific instructions regarding the number of Distemper vaccinations your dog needs. Rabies vaccinations should be given at least one month before beginning the actual course of treatment. Rabies vaccinations are usually given on the first visit to the veterinarian, usually in the early part of the year.
Are there any warning signs that I need to look out for? If your animal shows any abnormal behavior or appears to be uncooperative with physical or behavioural responses, contact your veterinarian immediately. If you see a wet or raw bite wound, blood in the urine or stool or cloudy eyes or mucus – these are all classic signs of rabies but the earlier you can diagnose the disease, the better prepared you’ll be.