Sept 28th is World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is September 28

The goal of establishing a World Rabies Day is to educate everyone on the importance of getting pets vaccinated and why you and your pets should always avoid approaching wild animals known for carrying rabies. Established in 2007, World Rabies Day emphasizes the fact that rabies is an entirely preventable disease that could be largely eradicated in developed countries if all pet owners had their pets vaccinated against the disease. 

Rabies is a serious, potentially fatal viral disease affecting the central nervous system of humans and mammals. Unless treated promptly, rabies causes symptoms resembling dementia or an unspecified neurological disorder (confusion, hallucinations, extreme anxiety). Late-stage rabies induces hypersalivation (when animals "foam" at the mouth), aggressiveness, and difficulty swallowing. Within days of these symptoms appear, affected animals cannot be saved and will succumb to the disease.

How is Rabies Transmitted?

The rabies virus can only be transmitted when an animal infected with the virus bites or scratches another animal (or human). In underdeveloped countries where hundreds of thousands of people live on the edge of wildlife-filled forests, over 55,000 people die every year from being bitten by rabid animals. In the U.S. about two people die each year from rabies. However, there are nearly 6500 cases of animal rabies reported annually.

Although skunks, possums, foxes, bats and raccoons carry the majority of rabies virus infections, dozens of unvaccinated dogs, cats and other pets are bitten or scratched by infected wild animals every day and suffer needlessly from the devastating effects of the rabies virus.

Rabies Vaccination Schedule for Dogs

Dogs can be given their first rabies vaccination shot at around three or four months old. Owners should always follow-up with a second vaccination after the dog is one year old. Booster shots every three years is recommended to ensure the dog is 100 percent immune against the disease. Cats can also start getting their rabies vaccinations when they are at least three months old.

To schedule an appointment to get your pet vaccinated against rabies, call us today at the North Central Animal Hospital.