Sept. 28th is World Rabies day

September 28 is quickly approaching and it denotes a special day for pet owners across the world.  The date is World Rabies Day.  Established back in 2007, it is an initiative to alert owners to the dangers of this condition and ways they can help keep their pets safe. 

Rabies is a very serious infection that is fatal if left untreated.  Once the virus enters your dog, it will target the nervous system, leading to swelling of the brain. 

Animals infected with the virus can infect your pet through biting or scratching.  Humans can also be affected, so you will need to be careful around these wild animals as well.  The most common animals that harbor the virus include bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. 

The majority of humans get the disease via a bite from a dog.  However, other animals may also transmit the disease to you such as cattle, wolves, and monkeys.

Rabies is usually prevented through vaccination.  However, if your pet becomes infected for some reason, you will notice a change very quickly.  They will experience a dramatic mood change, often going into hiding.  They will also start drooling excessively.

It is much easier to recognize the signs of rabies in domesticated pets since you will have a history of their behavior.  However, wild animals also harbor the virus, so it is important for you to know when you happen across a rabid wild animal so you can notify animal control.  They will usually be quite aggressive, even if the species is not known for this type of behavior.  They will also walk funny and froth at the mouth.

World Rabies Day pays particular attention to educating owners about the importance of rabies shots.  They advise that owners get their pets vaccinated once every two years.  Therefore, they will be protected in case they come across a wild animal which is infected.

Humans will also need to protect themselves.  If you are bitten by a rabid wild animal, it is important that you do not wait around to see if any symptoms show up.  By then, it will be too late.  You will need to get treatment immediately if you even think the animal was infected.

Rabies is a particularly dangerous disease which can affect all sorts of animals including humans.  If you own a pet, make sure that you get it vaccinated properly so it does not become infected if it comes across an animal affected by the condition.  You will also need to be careful yourself.