Understanding Rabies: Protecting Pets and People
Rabies might sound scary, but with the right knowledge about it, we can protect our furry friends—and ourselves! Whether you’re a pet parent or an animal lover, understanding how rabies spreads and how to prevent it is key to keeping everyone safe and happy. Let’s dive into how we can protect our pets and communities from this preventable danger.
Let us start by defining what rabies is and understanding how dogs get rabies, and how is it dangerous to humans. In this article, we will also share tips on how to prevent your dogs for having rabies and what to do if bitten by a dog with rabies.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is one of the most dangerous yet preventable viral diseases affecting both animals and humans. Primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites, rabies poses a serious threat, especially to dogs and their owners.
How Do Dogs Get Rabies?
Dogs can catch rabies if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal. Wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes often carry the virus, and when their saliva enters the dog’s body, usually through a bite, the virus spreads to the brain, leading to dangerous symptoms.
How to prevent your dogs from getting rabies?
The good news is that rabies is preventable! Here are a few key steps you can take to protect your dog:
Vaccination: The most effective way to prevent rabies in dogs is by keeping their rabies vaccinations up to date. In many places, rabies vaccination is legally required.
Supervision: Keep your dog on a leash or within a fenced yard to reduce the chances of contact with wild animals. Never let your dog roam unsupervised, especially in areas known for rabies outbreaks.
Avoid Wildlife: Discourage your dog from approaching unfamiliar animals, especially wildlife or stray animals that could be carrying the virus.
Why Rabies is Dangerous to Humans?
Rabies is particularly dangerous because it can be transmitted from animals to humans. If a person is bitten by a dog or another animal with rabies, the virus can be transmitted through the bite wound. Initial symptoms of rabies in humans include fever, headache, and general discomfort, but as the virus progresses, it causes paralysis, confusion, and aggression, eventually leading to death if untreated.
What to do if bitten by a Rabid Dog?
If you are bitten by a dog that could potentially have rabies, seek medical attention immediately.
Here are the steps you should follow:
Clean the Wound:
Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Seek Medical Care:
Visit a healthcare provider immediately. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is effective if given promptly after a bite.
Report the Incident:
Inform local authorities about the bite, especially if the dog is a stray or wild, so that further spread of the virus can be controlled.
Rabies is a serious threat to both dogs and humans, but with the right knowledge and a few simple steps, we can keep it at bay and protect both our pets and ourselves. By understanding how rabies spreads and following prevention tips like regular vaccinations, we can stop this dangerous virus in its tracks. So, let’s continue being responsible pet owners and spread the word on how to keep our furry friends and communities safe from rabies!
As we celebrate World Rabies Day on the 28th of September, let us raise awareness about rabies prevention. We at Canis Prime will continue our effort to spread awareness and help our community by giving Free Anti-Rabies Vaccinations in Luzon. We are aiming to reach Visayas and Mindanao soon too.
Canis Prime’s advocacy is to lessen the cases of rabies here in the Philippines, and without your help and support in our programs, we will not be able to make it happen.
From Canis Prime, stay informed, stay safe, and give your doggos protection and prime love that they deserve! Remember, prevention is key, and together we can create a rabies-free future!