Rabies is a serious condition that affects many animals in the United States. This article can help to answer some pressing questions about the nature of rabies. If you suspect that your pet may have rabies, don't hesitate to call a local vet to assist you in diagnosing your pet right away. You deserve to have a hardworking and reliable vet there to care for your animals. Give them the care that they deserve by locating a highly trained vet on this directory today.
Are only dogs susceptible to rabies?
No, other animals can get rabies too. The virus infects the spinal cord and brain of all mammals, including dogs and cats. Even humans can get rabies. The disease has been reported in every state except Hawaii and has also been reported throughout the world. Rabies causes the deaths of about 50,000 humans and millions of animals worldwide. Your cat, hamster, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, mouse, or puppy are all susceptible to rabies. In fact, cats are diagnosed with rabies more frequently than dogs. It is important that you keep your cat indoors and make sure that it does not get into any spats with wild animals that could carry the illness.
How do animals catch rabies?
Animals that have rabies secrete the virus in their saliva. Because of this, most animals who contract the disease do so when they are bit by a rabid animal. Also, if a rabid animal scratches another, or when infected saliva makes contact with the mucous membranes or an open wound, the animal is susceptible to getting rabies. Most often, wild animals carry rabies. If your dog is attacked by a wild opossum or coyote that has rabies, then it puts your animal at fist. Bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are other animals that can typically spread this illness.
What are the symptoms of rabies?
Mammals with rabies normally show extreme behavioral changes. For example, a dog with rabies may become very restless or apprehensive. Most dogs that become rabid also show aggression and become increasingly irritable. Dogs my bite or snap for no apparent reason, or attack other humans, animals, or objects. Rabid animals are dangerous. Because rabies affects the brain, even a seemingly kind dog with rabies can lose rationale and attack owners and children Animals may also develop a fever.
In the advanced stages of rabies, animals will become hypersensitive to touch and light as well as sound. The animal may eat odd things or hide in dark places. Normally, these animals will suffer paralysis of the throat and jaw muscles and the dog may foam at the mouth. The pet may become disorientate, incoordinate, and may stagger. Sometimes dogs with rabies will suffer seizures or die suddenly.
How can I prevent my pet from getting rabies?
You may be able to reduce the risk of rabies by getting your pet vaccinated promptly. When you take your pet to the vet as a young pup or kitten, the veterinarian will probably ask if the animal has received a rabies vaccination. It is wise to request this vaccination in order to avoid the devastating effects of rabies in the future. Before a dog or cat is vaccinated, do not allow that pet to roam outside. This is when the animal has a higher chance of fighting with a rabid animal.
Rabies can be fatal. If you suspect that your animal has rabies, take the pet to a veterinarian as fast as possible. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to treat rabies. If your pet is suffering from this illness, you will want a vet there to assist you. Locate a reliable veterinarian near you with this directory today!