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You Don't Have to be Bitten to Contract Rabies

On October 17, 2011 a family dog in Twinsburg died of rabies caused by a bite from a raccoon. This was confirmed by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) in Atlanta. The dog had not bitten anyone but any person exposed to the dog’s saliva must go through a series of painful injections to prevent them from contracting the disease.

We don’t hear much about rabies but it is still a problem in wildlife with skunks, raccoons, bats, coyotes and foxes the main reservoirs. The disease is always fatal in animals and people (although there are two known survivors) and it is passed through the saliva of an infected animal. Not all individuals bitten by an infected animal contract the disease and it can lie dormant in the body for 6 months or more before causing symptoms. Once the symptoms of the disease are present no treatment is effective.

Fortunately, there are vaccines available for dogs and cats that are highly effective, inexpensive and very safe protect pets up to a minimum of 3 years. If your dog or cat is not vaccinated for rabies please get it done. This not only protects the pet but your loved ones, too and anyone else who may have contact with your pet. The price you may have to pay for not vaccinating your pet is simply not worth it.

Although there is no sure way to tell if an animal has rabies there are some guidelines to follow.

1. Never approach any animal who seems either sick or unafraid, especially the above mentioned species.

2. Call local animal control to report any suspicious acting animal

3. Do not allow you pets to roam free. Keep them leashed or in the house.

4. Vaccinate your pets on a regular basis

For more information, please call Crossroads Animal Hospotal at (440) 238-5900.