When you think about rabies and your pet, Old Yeller may come to mind. The truth is, though, that there is a lot more to the disease than most people know. Every pet owner should be educated about the danger of rabies and why it is important for pets to be vaccinated against this deadly disease.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that can affect any mammal, including humans. This makes it a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transferred between animals and people. It is spread between mammals by direct contact of the mucous membranes, usually through a bite.

This deadly disease is not as rampant in the United States as it once was, but it is still out there. Every year hundreds of dogs and cats die of rabies in this country, as well as a few humans.

What Does Rabies Do?

When an animal (or person) is exposed to rabies, the virus enters the tissues, usually through a bite wound. It attaches to muscle cells in the area for a few days before entering the nervous system through the nerves. Eventually the virus will make its way up to the brain.  This usually takes place over about a month; however, in rare instances, this can take up to one year.

Once the virus enters the brain, the host will begin to show symptoms of the disease. At this stage it is virtually impossible to treat the patient. Rabies manifests in three stages:

Prodromal Stage – During the first few of days after the rabies virus has reached the brain, the host animal will often experience a change in personality. In some species a change in voice may be noted. The original site of infection may also seem to be irritated, with the animal licking or scratching at it.

Excitative Stage – For a couple of days after the prodromal stage, infected animals often show signs of being “mad”. They may hallucinate and become aggressive.

Paralytic/dumb Stage – After the excitative stage, animals infected with rabies will become weak. They lose the ability to swallow, resulting in the characteristic drooling we often associate with rabies. Eventually the muscles that control breathing become paralyzed, resulting in death.

How to Keep My Pets and Family Safe?

Protecting your family, both two-legged and four, from rabies exposure is essential. There are a few things that you can do to minimize your risk.

  • Keep all pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
  • Avoid animals that are acting aggressively or un-naturally.
  • Do not touch wildlife that is ill or try to care for wild mammals that are ill.
  • Report sick or abnormally behaving wildlife to Animal Control.
  • Keep your pets on a leash. The most common carrier of rabies in Colorado is the skunk.
  • If you or a pet has been potentially exposed to rabies, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Although rabies is fatal if untreated, humans may receive a series of vaccines to help stop the virus from getting to the brain, provided treatment is started quickly. Dogs and cats who are exposed often need a booster vaccination. Pets who have not been vaccinated for rabies may be recommended to be euthanized or strictly quarantined depending on the situation.

Rabies vaccination is extremely important for all pets and required by Colorado State law. While we have come a long way in preventing this deadly virus, rabies is still a real risk. Be sure to keep yourself informed and take the necessary precautions to keep your family safe.

If you have questions regarding rabies or vaccinating your pet, please let us know. We are always happy to help.