March is Rabies Awareness Month, so for that cause we want to let you know some things about rabies and how it can affect your pet and also you. Rabies is a viral infection and is very deadly. Rabies is spread from infected saliva entering the body from a bite or cut. The main carriers of rabies are: bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks. Carriers of this disease could spread the virus to your pet and yourself. Luckily your pet can be safe with proper vaccinations which start at 4 months of age. The 4 month old puppy receives a vaccination that will last them one year. After the year they will receive another vaccine this time for 3 years and then every 3 years there after they should receive another booster. North Carolina law requires all dogs, cat and ferrets over 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine can only be administered by licensed veterinarians or a certified rabies vaccinator.
So don’t go near any animal that you are unsure of their vaccination of rabies, and don’t let your pet around them either. Stray dog and cats are at an increase risk of contracting and carrying rabies. The majority of the staff here, at The Animal Hospital of Walnut Cove, has been vaccinated against rabies because we deal with unvaccinated animals, which may be in quarantine from exposure or from biting someone.
