Dealing with rabies

Thursday March 31st, 2011

Rabies is a fatal, viral disease that attacks the brain and the nerves in your dog, and people as well. Most dogs contract rabies through interaction with infected wildlife, such as raccoons, bats, skunks, coyotes, and possums. While most rabies is transmitted through bites from a rabid animal, it can also be spread through contact with broken skin.

The most frequent sign of rabies in dogs is an unexplained change in behavior, usually when a normally friendly dog turns aggressive or acts strangely for no apparent reason. A wild animal's reaction may be entirely different. He may act tame and unafraid when approached by people. Once a rabid animal begins to exhibit abnormal behavior, which could take two to six months after contact, it has begun an irreversible process that will only end with his death, which will occur in a matter of days. There is no way to save his life because there is no cure for rabies. Not every dog, indeed not every animal (including humans) that is exposed to a rabid animal will contract rabies.

If you suspect your dog may have contracted rabies, be extremely careful and avoid all contact with him. Isolate him and call your veterinarian and animal control immediately. By law, you must make these notifications to protect the public. Let your doctor know if your dog has been vaccinated. If you live in Canada, you must also call the local police and the health control office. The best way to protect your dog from rabies is to follow a rabies vaccination protocol as established by your local government or as recommended by your veterinarian.

Source: Adapted from the American Animal Hospital Association

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	My puppy, Pretty is an outside dog. We live somewhat in the country, so when we went outside yesterday morning 2 check on her we found her playing with a dead headless jack rabbit! we took it awy and disposed of it, i wasn't really worried because all of her shots were up to date. Then this morning just to be sure i checked her records to make sure the rabies shot was included and it was not on any of the paper work! So i called the place where her vaccinations were recieved and they told me that the rabies vaccination is not included, but at the time they told me that it was!? I'm really scared! If anyone has any info or advice plz let me know!! thanks about 2 years ago by Anonymous
	my two year old jack russel was attacked by a coyote and amazingly was saved by my dad. She is current on her rabies shot but because the vet didnt give her a booster she is home quarantined for 6months vs 30 days now. What are her chances of actually having rabies? She wasbitten badly on her neck and requiredminor surgery. over 2 years ago by Anonymous
	My now 3 month old pug pup has been in quarantine for a month now because he may or may not have been in contact with a dead bat. Animal control forced him into quarantine because a dead, squashed bat was found under our car. The pup was too young for his Rabies shot so he has 6 months in the slammer. I am devastated and so worried about him.Will this quarantine cause him to be unsocialized? Wouldn't signs of Rabies show up in a 7 lb unvaccinated pup before 6 months? If he has it so do I! I am so worried about my baby. The bat was to smashed to test so quarantine it is. Please, has anyone gone through this before? Chances are he is fine but, I am worried about what he will be like after such a long quarantine at such a young age. So far he acts normal like a pup does claims the Vet but, their is always that 1% chance. I was with him each time he was outside to use the bathroom and exercise and play. I am sick about this and hope someone can let me know if it would not have shown up before now in such a small pup! Any information will be appreciated! He has had his first Rabies shot now! over 2 years ago by Anonymous