4 Steps to Protect Your Pet Against Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transmitted from animals to humans. That makes this disease particularly dangerous. Rabies is manageable, thanks to modern vaccination and wild animal control measures. But it is still possible to catch the disease. As a pet owner, you want to take the proper precautions to make sure your pet is safe. A Bennington, NE vet offers some tips on this below.

Vaccinate your pet.

Your pet should be vaccinated for rabies. This is the first line of defense against the virus. Puppies and kittens as young as three months old can receive the vaccination. They might need a few follow-up booster shots before receiving more vaccines every three years.

Supervise while outdoors.

The rabies virus spreads through the bite of another infected animal. Keep a close eye on your pet outdoors in order to stop them from encountering any wild animals. Dogs love to chase raccoons and opossums. Always keep your pet on a leash when you go on walks. Don’t allow them to get too far ahead. If you live in a rural area or anywhere that wild animals may pass through, make sure to keep an eye on your pet.

Spay and neuter.

Having your pet spayed or neutered can prevent the risk of rabies. Spaying and neutering reduces your pet’s desire to roam. This way, you don’t have to worry about them coming in contact with a wild animal that could potentially have rabies.

Watch for signs of illness.

The symptoms of rabies include tiredness, a loss of appetite, light and touch sensitivity, fever, and aggressive behavior. Seizures and paralysis can also occur if the virus progresses. Alert a veterinarian immediately if you see these symptoms. Fortunately, the chances of your pet catching rabies is very low. Make sure to take the right steps to keep it that way.

If your pet is in need of the rabies vaccination, or if your pet has come into contact with rabies, call your Bennington, NE vet’s office for help.