Rabies is a word that brings immediate concern to pet owners, and for good reason. This viral disease is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable with vaccination. In New York, rabies remains a risk because of its presence in local wildlife like raccoons, bats, and foxes. Pumpkin Hill Veterinary Clinic has this guide on rabies for pet owners around the Byron area, so you can feel empowered with knowledge and preparation to keep pets safe from this disease.
How Can I Recognize Rabies in Animals?
Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system. Dogs, cats, humans, and other animals like livestock can get this virus, though it is rarer in certain species. Rabies most often spreads through the bite of an infected animal, as saliva enters the cuts or mucous membranes. Symptoms of rabies can manifest as:
–Sudden changes in behavior, such as unusual aggression or restlessness
–Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
–Difficulty walking or loss of coordination
–Seizures or paralysis
–Heightened sensitivity to sound, light, or touch
Once symptoms appear, rabies will very likely cause death. To prevent this, pet owners should keep their cats and dogs current on their rabies vaccine.
The Rabies Vaccine
Rabies vaccines save lives. A vaccinated pet is far less likely to develop rabies if exposed. Because rabies can spread to people, vaccinating pets safeguards everyone in your home. Rabies vaccination also helps stop the spread of rabies in communities, reducing the number of cases in animals and people. New York State law does require rabies vaccination for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Puppies and kittens usually receive their rabies vaccine around 16-18 weeks of age, depending on their vaccination schedule. A rabies vaccine booster will be given around 1 year. After that, your pet will receive the rabies vaccine as part of their annual immunizations, although a 3-year rabies vaccine may be given based on the veterinarian’s discretion and local laws.
Beyond Rabies Vaccination
While vaccination is the most effective protection against rabies, there are other ways to reduce the risk of your pets contracting this disease.
–Keep cats indoors and supervise dogs when outside.
–Do not allow pets to interact with wildlife.
–Secure trash and food sources that may attract wild animals.
–Report odd wildlife behavior to local authorities in case the animals are rabid.
If you have young children at home, make sure to protect your family by explaining the importance of leaving wildlife alone. This explanation may stop your child and pets who get involved from being bitten by an animal with rabies.
Schedule Your Pet for the Rabies Vaccine in Byron, NY
Rabies is preventable. Through vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and awareness, we can protect pets from this disease. Pumpkin Hill Veterinary Clinic administers the rabies vaccine in Byron to cats and dogs from Brockport, Byron, Batavia, and neighboring New York communities. Is your pet up to date on their rabies vaccine? Schedule a vaccination appointment for your animal companion.
