Animals infected with the rabies virus may appear ferocious and "rabid," but many of them act as if they are tame or in a stupor. Feeding or petting tame or injured wildlife may put your family at added risk for exposure to this fatal disease.
Learn about rabies, how to avoid exposure and how to protect your pets and family from this deadly viral disease.
1. Veterinary Q & A: Rabies
Photo by Getty Images / Siede Preis
Rabies is not a disease of the past. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "every year, an estimated 40,000 people in the U.S. receive a series of shots known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) due to potential exposure to rabies." (learn more)
Learn how rabies is spread, the symptoms, prevention and how to reduce exposure of your pet and family.
2. Dealing With Dogs and Cats That Have Been Exposed to Rabies
Photo courtesy of ZeMoufette/Flickr.com
3. Dealing with Dogs, Cats and Other Pets That Bite a Person
Because rabies is a viral disease that can be passed between animals and people, what happens when a person (or other animal) is bitten? How does the vaccination status of the animal affect the observation protocol? Learn more about the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control and how bite incidents are officially handled.
4. Rabies Affects Pets, Wildlife and People
Photo courtesy of NDomer73/Flickr.com
Rabies is a zoonotic disease (a disease that can be passed to people from animals). Learn about rabies virus transmission and simple steps to take to protect your family and pets from contact with wildlife that may carry this disease.
5. What's The Difference Between The One And Three Year Rabies Vaccine?
© Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
6. Vaccine Doses - why is it "one size fits all"?
by Les Chatfield on Flickr
7. Is It OK to Vaccinate My Pet if She is Pregnant or Nursing?
by LizMarie on Flickr
8. World Rabies Day - September 28
Several world health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), Pan American Health Organization, and others have joined forces to raise awareness about rabies worldwide.
Rabies disease is 100% preventable and these organizations are working to eradicate human and animal infection and deaths through education and vaccination programs.
9. Readers Respond: Are your pets vaccinated regularly?
Caroline Woodham / Getty Images
Vaccinations used to be easy to remember; a once-a-year trip to the veterinary office. New data and guidelines have changed this however. Now, most vaccines are administered every three years or in some cases, skipped, depending on your pet's lifestyle and potential exposure risks.
Do you have your pets vaccinated on a regular schedule? Share your stories here.
