Ever since audiences sat back and watched or read Old Yeller, the world has been fascinated by rabies. Horror writers use rabies as a plot trope all the time because it is easy to be scared of a condition without a cure.

Around 4,000 animals contract rabies each year in the USA. While 90% of these cases are in wild animals like raccoons and skunks, that doesn’t lessen the danger of rabies in dogs or cats. The last thing any pet owner wants to experience is putting down a treasured family pet because of a rabies diagnosis.

The closer we get to World Rabies Day on September 28th, the more our team at Petbobi wants to help bring awareness to the dangers of pet diseases and care tips to ensure your four-legged friend is protected.

What is the Rabies Virus?

Rabies is a virus. More specifically, it is known as a viral disease. When it gets into the body of your pet, it goes after the central nervous system. The more the disease settles in, the likelier you’ll see a pet trying to quench thirst while foaming at the mouth and biting anyone in range.

Animals spread rabies to mammals (including humans) through a bite. It isn’t the teeth, but the saliva that are likeliest to transmit rabies in dogs. The virus then enters the body and travels along the nerves until reaching the brain, where it can damage everything during an incubation period anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Which Animals Are Susceptible to Rabies?

With rabies being such a concern, you have to ask how common it is in pets. The good news is that the majority of animals that get rabies are outdoor/wild mammals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and rabbits. You’ll also find the occasional bat carrying rabies, which is why you want to immediately see a doctor if you get bitten.

You won’t find any lizards, birds, or amphibians getting rabies. However, dogs and cats can catch the virus if they interact with another mammal that is a carrier. This likelihood of contraction is why World Rabies Day exists, to raise awareness of the disease.

How to Prevent Rabies in Your Dogs?

Keeping your pet safe and secure doesn’t have to require locking them up inside for days on end. As long as you utilize a few proactive tips for preventing common pet disease and care, you should be perfectly fine. These may include:

• Start with getting your pet a rabies vaccine. Most breeders and rescuers require this ahead of time before you can adopt anyways, but there are regular boosters you’ll need to get as well to maintain a high level of internal protection. It’s important to note that many states require these vaccines by law.
• If you can, reduce the interactions your pet has with local wildlife. Whenever you’re going on a hike or camping, keep a close watch on your pet to ensure they aren’t suddenly hanging out with a family of raccoons likely to be carrying the virus. A quick tip is to use a sensor doggie door so you don’t invite the outdoor animals inside.
• Always use a leash and supervise your pet. If a rabid animal comes your way (and you’ll know it pretty quickly), you want to have control over your dog so you can get away and redirect their attention.

The last preventive tip for rabies in dogs is to get your pets spayed or neutered. Mating isn’t the underlying problem here. When a dog is in heat or on the prowl, it is far more likely to wander around your neighborhood where raccoons and foxes may already roam. Getting them neutered prevents this desire.

What are the Common Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs?

Rabies makes itself known really well. The problem is by the time these symptoms come out, you may already be facing an uphill medical battle. It’s important to watch the progression of neurological signs. These may include:

• Sudden aggression or anxiety
• Excessive drooling (the white foam)
• Trouble swallowing usually enjoyed items
• Paralysis and seizures

If you see an increase in this type of behavior, you want to contact your veterinarian. That is especially true if an outdoor animal has bitten your pet, comes in contact with another mammal already having rabies, or exhibits a quick progression of these symptoms.

It’s better to ask when you are not sure. That will maintain your relationship with your vet and train you on the sights for rabies and other pet diseases and care.

Final Thoughts

World Rabies Day is all about raising awareness of this heartbreaking experience. The more you go into a rabies situation with eyes wide open, the quicker you’ll respond to getting help for your pet so they can move past and find better health.

If you’re looking to host a World Rabies Day event or even a local vaccine drive, we recommend offering our Pet Stroller for Medium Pets as a prize. These are durable, easy-to-use strollers that help you control your pet when exploring outdoor areas you think may be a risk. Purchase one today and give your treasured pooch extra protection without sacrificing fresh air, scents, and sights they will love.

With a bit of care and education, you too can ensure the statistics of rabies in dogs continue a downward trend for years to come.