Protecting Your Pets, Family and Community From Rabies

About Rabies

Rabies is a highly contagious, fatal viral illness that attacks mammals' brains and spinal cords, including pets and humans.
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Rabies is a zoonotic illness, which means it may spread from animals to humans. It spreads through an infected animal's saliva, typically through bites or scratches. Rabies is most commonly transmitted by bats, but dogs, cats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, foxes and sometimes rodents are transmitters of the virus. Despite breakthroughs in prevention, rabies remains a severe threat in many parts of the world.

How to Prevent Rabies

Rabies is preventable, and Pets4Life encourages all pet owners to do their best to keep pets, families and communities safe from this deadly disease. At Pets4Life Animal Hospital, we think that education, immunization, and awareness are critical to protecting the health of our cherished pets and those around us.

Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing rabies in dogs and cats. Rabies vaccinations are not only necessary for your pet's health, but they are also mandated by Illinois law. Regular immunization ensures that if your pet comes into contact with a rabid animal, they should be immune to the disease. This protects your pet as well as your family members, who could get rabies through your pets. Pets4Life Animal Hospital recommends keeping your pet's rabies vaccinations current as part of their regular health care.

Rabies prevention extends beyond vaccination. To reduce the possibility of your pets coming into contact with wildlife, keep on a leash when they go outside and don’t leave them outside for extended periods of time. You can also protect your pet by making your home unattractive to animals. Seal off openings to the home’s exterior and avoid leaving pet food outside since it can attract wild animals that may carry the virus.

If you detect any wildlife acting abnormally or exhibiting indications of rabies, such as stumbling, hostility, or unprovoked attacks, contact your local animal control or public health agency immediately.

What are the Signs of Rabies?

Early signs may be mild and include fever, tiredness, or behavioral changes such as increased aggressiveness or fearfulness. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms such as excessive salivation, paralysis, convulsions, and trouble swallowing may emerge. If you suspect your pet might have been exposed to rabies, contact your veterinarian immediately. Pets4Life Animal Hospital is available to provide quick advice and care in such instances. In children, signs can include fever, headache, malaise, decreased appetite, vomiting, weakness or itching at the bite site. They also can include neurological symptoms such as irritability or aggressiveness as well as muscle spasms and seizures.

Yes, Even Indoor Cats Need Rabies Vaccines!

Even if you have an indoor cat, your cat could come into contact with a rabid animal who enters your home (such as a bat or raccoon).

If you Suspect Your Child or Animal has been in contact with a rabid animal, DO NOT WAIT. The symptoms may not appear for days or even months, but you should not wait for symptoms. Even if a bite is not visible, if you suspect contact you should immediately contact a healthcare professional. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly always fatal in humans and pets. While there is no specific treatment for rabies, a vaccine can prevent infection if given soon after contact with the virus.

What Else Can You Do to Help Prevent Rabies? In many nations, rabies remains a major public health risk, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. By donating to organizations dedicated to rabies education and prevention, you can help ensure that fewer people and animals are harmed by this dreadful disease. Pets4Life Animal Hospital supports this global cause by educating our clients and the community about the need for rabies prevention.

Simple efforts like keeping your pet's vaccines up to date, monitoring their interactions with other animals, and raising awareness about rabies can make a huge difference. At Pets4Life Animal Hospital, we are committed to helping you keep your pet healthy and safe.

Contact Pets4Life Animal Hospital at (847) 434-2745 or visit us at 661 Central Avenue Highland Park, IL 60035 to schedule your pet’s vaccination or for any questions about rabies prevention. Together, we can help protect our pets, family and community.