{"id":522,"date":"2023-09-08T10:03:42","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T15:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mobilevetmd.com\/blog\/?p=522"},"modified":"2023-09-08T10:03:42","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T15:03:42","slug":"the-importance-of-the-rabies-vaccination-for-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.englishtownvet.com\/blog\/the-importance-of-the-rabies-vaccination-for-dogs-and-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of the Rabies Vaccination for Dogs and Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Any mammal can contract and spread rabies, but the primary carriers involve wildlife such as bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. In fact, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases<\/a>, more than 90% of the 5,000 annual U.S. cases of rabies affect wildlife. However, that means approximately 10% of all rabies cases affect companion animals. Since pets can become infected with rabies and potentially pass it on to people, the prevention of the disease is vitally important. Fortunately, the rabies vaccination for dogs and cats is required by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Rabies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. As a zoonotic disease, rabies can spread between animals and humans. Unvaccinated dogs and cats are placed at a high risk for rabies infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How It Spreads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rabies is replicated and shed through the salivary glands. A pet exposed to a rabid animal\u2019s saliva, whether through a bite or open wound, is at risk. If you or your pet is bitten by an animal you know or suspect has rabies, quick action is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Importance of the Vaccine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, all pets, even those that are indoor-only<\/a>, could encounter the disease, and benefit from the protection of the rabies vaccination. Any encounter with wildlife (even unexpected ones inside the home) can lead to a rabies infection. Similarly, a pet that has had previous vaccinations, but no follow-up booster shots, should not be viewed as protected from possible infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fenced-in yard or enclosure certainly reduces a pet\u2019s ability to wander or escape, but doesn\u2019t fully keep wildlife out (especially bats). All mammals are at risk of contracted rabies, and pets should definitely be vaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Course of Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your pet is exposed to rabies, emergency veterinary care is critical. Even if they are up to date with their vaccination schedule,<\/a> we may recommend a booster following a bit from a rabid animal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n