Rabies refers to a virus that can spread by the scratch or bite of animals. It is known to affect a dog’s brain and central nervous system. In the country, it is compulsory for dog owners to make sure that their pet has got the proper vaccination against this virus. This vaccine must be repeated annually for up to three years, depending on the local laws where you reside and the kind of vaccines given.
Some tips to protect your pet from rabies include the following:
The most effective way to protect your dogs from rabies is to get them regularly vaccinated. The vaccines may be good for 1-3 years. It will ensure that the pet is protected in case it is exposed to an animal infected by the rabies virus. However, if you feel that your dog may have been bitten already, you must take it to the vet right away. In such a situation, the vet administers what is called a booster vaccine, and then monitor the dog for any signs of infection.
When your dog has been regularly vaccinated against rabies, you must keep it in quarantine at your home. When the vaccines have lapsed, you will need to keep it with your vet or in a local animal control facility, until the quarantine is over. Only then can you take it home.
2. Careful with wildlife
To know the best way to protect your pet from rabies you must understand that you cannot allow it to have direct contact with dead or injured wildlife. It is essential that keep both your kids and pets away from animals and birds that are dead or gravely injured. It is recommended that even adults must not touch such animals unless they have taken proper precautions, like using towels or gloves. Most vets will accept such injured animals to euthanize them or submit samples to test for rabies.
3. Monitor outdoor time
If your dog is energetic and enjoys chasing squirrels and rabbits, it is likely to get bitten and scratched. It is imperative to monitor your pet when it is outdoors. Rabid pets will start to behave erratically, becoming far more aggressive and agitated. They may even seem injured because of progressive paralysis. But, even if an animal is not displaying any symptoms of rabies, you cannot be certain that it has not been infected. This can be a dangerous situation as you might not feel the need to take your pet to a vet.
4. Report dead or sick animals
Another important tip on how to protect your pet from rabies is to report any dead or sick animals. For instance, if the neighborhood raccoon starts to show up oddly at day time or starts to act violent, it needs to be reported. You must not, however, try to capture any wild animal. If you are not aware of the right authorities to contact in such a situation, you must get in touch with the local police, and they will direct you to them. If the local animal control officials suspect the animal has rabies, it is tested. And the authorities then have to issue alerts for others residing in the same locality to protect their pets.
5. Know your local wildlife
Finally, the best way to protect your furry friend from rabies is to be aware of the types of animals that inhabit your neighborhood. For example, bats are usually the most common carriers in the country. So, it is best not to take your dog for walks around a roost.