The best way to protect pets from rabies
infection is vaccination. For optimum protection, rabies vaccination must be
up-to-date. When your pet is vaccinated against rabies, you are also indirectly
protecting other animals, and humans from rabies which is an important zoonotic
disease. Rabies is caused by a virus that is introduced into the body mainly
through bite wounds. From the entry point, the virus travels through the nerves
until it reaches the central nervous system where it will eventually cause the
distinct symptoms associated with the infection. It is also during this time
when the virus is present in the salivary glands. When a rabid dog bites, its
saliva already contains the virus which is then transmitted to the animal or
person who has been bitten. Unfortunately, once symptoms are present, there is
no treatment and death will eventually follow. Even if a dog or cat is
vaccinated against rabies, they should be quarantined when they are bitten by
another animal, rabid or not.
