Rabies
Rabies in dogs
Overview
The very word "rabies" elicits fear, and well it should. When the symptoms of this virus appear, it always results in death within a matter of days. In 1953, there were about 6,000 reported cases of rabies in cats and dogs in the United States. Due primarily to the use of vaccines, the number had dropped to 344 by the early 1990s. The most common carriers are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Unvaccinated pets that are allowed to roam are most likely to become infected should they come in contact with a rabid wild or stray animal.
Rabies in cats
Overview
The very word "rabies" elicits fear, and well it should. Once the symptoms of this virus appear, it is only a matter of hours to days before death results. In 1953, there were about 6,000 reported cases of rabies in cats and dogs in the United States. Due primarily to the use of vaccines, the number had dropped to 344 by the early 1990s. The most common carriers are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Unvaccinated pets that are allowed to roam are most likely to become infected should they come in contact with a rabid wild or stray animal.
Rabies in cats
Overview
The very word "rabies" elicits fear, and well it should. Once the symptoms of this virus appear, it is only a matter of hours to days before death results. In 1953, there were about 6,000 reported cases of rabies in cats and dogs in the United States. Due primarily to the use of vaccines, the number had dropped to 344 by the early 1990s. The most common carriers are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Unvaccinated pets that are allowed to roam are most likely to become infected should they come in contact with a rabid wild or stray animal.
Rabies in dogs
Overview
The very word "rabies" elicits fear, and well it should. When the symptoms of this virus appear, it always results in death within a matter of days. In 1953, there were about 6,000 reported cases of rabies in cats and dogs in the United States. Due primarily to the use of vaccines, the number had dropped to 344 by the early 1990s. The most common carriers are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Unvaccinated pets that are allowed to roam are most likely to become infected should they come in contact with a rabid wild or stray animal.
Dog and puppy vaccinations
When your dog was a puppy, he received protection against infectious diseases from antibodies passed in his mother's milk. But these antibodies soon dissipated, leaving him vulnerable. Fortunately, effective vaccines are available that can protect your dog against many diseases.
Diseases humans can contract from dogs
Did you know that you could pick up a disease from your pet? However, given the millions of companion animals in the country, this happens relatively infrequently. Humans, in fact, are more likely to catch something from another human. By simply maintaining good hygiene, much of the risk of contracting an illness from an animal is eliminated.
Diseases humans can contract from cats
Did you know that you could pick up a disease from your pet? However, given the millions of companion animals in the country, this happens relatively infrequently. Humans, in fact, are more likely to catch something from another human. By simply maintaining good hygiene, much of the risk of contracting an illness from an animal is eliminated.