World Rabies Day: Protect Your Pets and Loved Ones from Rabies
By Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital

Every year on September 28, World Rabies Day raises awareness about the importance of rabies prevention and the need to protect both humans and animals from this deadly disease. At Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital, we want to help you understand the importance of rabies vaccination and why it’s essential for your pet’s health—and yours.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation and, in nearly every case, death. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as a dog, raccoon, bat, or skunk. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prevention is critical.

Why Rabies Vaccination Matters

Rabies is 100% preventable through vaccination, which is why it’s vital to ensure your pet is up-to-date on their rabies shots. Not only does this protect your pet from a potentially fatal disease, but it also helps protect your family and community from the spread of rabies.

Here’s why rabies vaccination is so important:

• Protects your pet: Rabies can be transmitted through bites from infected animals, putting your pet at risk.
• Protects your family: Rabies is zoonotic, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. Vaccinating your pet reduces the risk to you and your loved ones.
• Legal requirement: In many areas, rabies vaccinations are required by law for pets, including dogs and cats.

How Rabies Is Transmitted

Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, often through bites or scratches. Wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes are common carriers of rabies, but domestic animals can also contract the disease if they are exposed to infected wildlife.

What You Can Do to Prevent Rabies

1. Vaccinate your pet: Ensure your dog, cat, or other pets are vaccinated against rabies. At Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital, we offer rabies vaccinations and can help you stay on track with your pet’s vaccination schedule.
2. Keep pets indoors: Limiting your pet’s exposure to wildlife reduces the risk of them encountering potentially rabid animals.
3. Avoid contact with wildlife: If you see a wild animal acting strangely, such as being overly aggressive or unafraid of humans, keep your distance and contact local animal control.
4. Spay and neuter: Reducing the stray animal population helps limit the chances of rabies transmission from wild to domestic animals.

Final Thoughts: Rabies Is Preventable—Take Action Today!

World Rabies Day is a reminder of how critical it is to protect your pets from rabies through vaccination. At Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital, we are here to help with all of your pet’s health needs, including rabies vaccinations and prevention. Don’t wait—protect your pets, your family, and your community today.

Contact us now to schedule your pet’s rabies vaccination or to ask any questions about rabies prevention. Let’s work together to keep your pets—and everyone around them—safe!