Rabies Prevention: Protecting Pets and People
By Kendall Jang, Staff Writer
Recent reports of rabies-positive skunks in Washington County, Maryland offer an important reminder for pet owners everywhere: keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations protects both animals and people.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. It can affect wildlife as well as domestic animals, including cats and dogs.
Protecting Pets and People
Animals with rabies may show changes in behavior, becoming unusually aggressive or unusually friendly. Other signs can include paralysis, drooling and seizures. Exposure can occur through a bite or scratch or when saliva from an infected animal comes into contact with the eyes, mouth or another mucous membrane.
The best protection is prevention. Keep your pets' rabies vaccinations current and avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals.
Our partners at United Spay Alliance are also working to address rabies prevention through their “No Babies. No Rabies.” public health campaign, which connects spay/neuter programs with rabies prevention.
By expanding access to spay/neuter and rabies vaccination services, communities can help protect pets and people while addressing pet overpopulation.
If you believe you or your pet may have been exposed to a potentially rabid animal, contact your local health department and veterinarian promptly for guidance.
No Babies. No Rabies. Protecting animal health protects our communities, too.
Take Action Today
1. Help increase access to veterinary care! Complete our action alert for H.B. 664, which would allow registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) to provide vaccinations and preventative care to all dogs and cats in Ohio under the direction and without direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
2. Looking for veterinary care and spay/neuter services? Please check our Statewide Directory for resources near you.
3. Want to support United Spay Alliance’s “No Babies. No Rabies.” campaign? Order a limited edition “No Babies. No Rabies.” t-shirt.
4. Share this update and action alert with friends and family!
5. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive animal welfare related news and resources in Ohio straight to your inbox.
