How to protect your dogs and cats from rabies

Rage – it's something you only see in Stephen King's horror movies and novels, right? According to the CDC, with 5,508 animal rabies cases reported in 2015, this could not be further from the truth. Rabies is a real threat to you and your pets, a threat against which you must protect yourself.

"Although rabies in domestic animals is relatively rare, this is largely due to vaccination laws and not to lack of exposure," says Dr. Mark Verdino, vice-president and chief veterinary officer, North Shore Animal League America. Weekly. "There are still thousands of animals [rabies] cases in the United States every year, with hundreds of pets. It has been documented in the 50 states. Without active vaccination programs, the cases would undoubtedly be significantly larger. "

If you are a diligent owner who follows vaccinations, give yourself a five. If your mode of operation is exactly the opposite, consider implementing just-in-time measures for World Rabies Day (September 28th).

Read on to discover some pretty horrible facts about the North Shore Animal League America's rage and tips on how best to make sure you and your pet will never get it. (Hint: it's spelled V-A-C-C-I-N-A-T-E!)

1. Rabies is fatal but totally preventable.
Unvaccinated animals can face a sad and sad destiny. The infectious viral disease, transmitted by the body fluids of an infected animal, is almost always fatal after the onset of clinical symptoms. Symptoms include fever, seizures and paralysis.

2. Animal bites are not the only way to get rabies.
The most common route of transmission of rabies is through animal bite, but there is still something more terrifying: it can also be contracted when an animal eats an infected animal. So top tip: avoid dead animals on the outside and on walks!

3. The symptoms of rabies do not always surface immediately.
Verdino says it may take up to six months after exposure to rabies for an animal to develop clinical signs – think about that. This means that your pet could be bitten without your knowledge and you would not know for months that he has the disease. More reason to vaccinate.

4. Rabies vaccines are dead.
If you've ever wondered if a vaccine could really give your pet rabies, it's crazy talk. Verdino explains that rabies vaccines are not live, which means that there is no chance that the vaccine will give your pet rabies. So you know what to do: Schedule this appointment at the vet.

5. In 2015, bats were the most common source of infection in humans.
Insert the OMG emoji here. And, from now on, all the fears of vampires are justified. In order of prevalence, the most common documented rabies cases in the United States are bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, cats, cattle and dogs, Verdino confirms.

6. If your pet gives rabies to other animals or to other people, you may be responsible.
Check your local government's website for information, but be aware that most municipalities require proof of anti-rabies vaccination – and for good reason: they want everyone (innocent people and pets included) to be security! Verdino says the owner of an unvaccinated or under-vaccinated animal may be liable for treatment and / or quarantine costs for the animal and / or the person bitten. Ouch all around.

7. Some people do not follow vaccinations.
There is nothing more scary than that right there. The best way to protect yourself and your pet is to follow regular vaccinations (they start at 12 to 16 weeks of age and then every 1 to 3 years). If you can protect your pet from dying from a bite or from a euthanasia because of rabies and protect other people from the deadly disease, you MUST do it. There is simply no excuse.

More things you can do to avoid exposure to rabies:

• Avoid exposure to wildlife and non-vaccinated domestic animals.
• If you see an animal acting erratically, report it to animal control.
• If you think your pet has been exposed to rabies, bring your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
• If your pet has found a dead animal, place it carefully (without handling it directly) in a container so that it can be tested by local authorities.

We weekly articles and content are for informational purposes only. Nothing in Us Weekly's articles and / or content is or should be considered, or used as a substitute, advice, diagnosis or veterinary or professional treatment. If you think your pet may have a medical emergency, call or see your local veterinarian or veterinary hospital immediately.

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