04/07/2024
Let’s talk about RABIES
Is your pet up to date on their RABIES vaccination? It’s a very simple and quick procedure that we can do at your vehicle without you even getting out. It doesn’t require an examination fee. It’s inexpensive in cost but much more valuable in that it can potentially save the lives of not only your pet, but the lives of your family as well.
Did you know Georgia law (Rabies Control Law-O.C.G.A. -31- 19) requires that all owned dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using approved vaccines in accordance with the national Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control? It’s true! It’s against the law for your pet to NOT be up to date on the rabies vaccination. Simply protect yourself and your pets.
Rabies has been known to exist in CoffeeCounty. Rabies may sound like a disease that existed far back in history like the plague but at least one person every day dies of this disease somewhere in the world.
Raccoons are vulnerable to contracting rabies by fighting with other rabid animals. However, there are many, many more healthy raccoons than rabid raccoons. A rabid raccoon typically does not look healthy. They look sick. They act sick. They can be aggressive. Simply seeing a raccoon during the day is not a sign of rabies. They might just be hungry and live close by so they have realized you aren’t a threat to them. While they do most of their natural activities as night, it’s not exclusive. Raccoons are typically nocturnal and mostly active at night. It is a common misconception that any raccoon active during the day is rabid. If the raccoon exhibits standard raccoon behavior, besides being active during the day, it probably is not rabid.
Possible Signs of Rabid Raccoon
It is difficult to say definitively whether or not a raccoon has rabies without first examining the brain. There are however a few signs and symptoms that are consistent with rabies.
Raccoons are docile compared to other wild animals especially if the raccoons are used to living around humans. A raccoon that displays aggression for no apparent reason may be rabid. On the other end of the spectrum, these animals are known for their incessant activity. A lethargic raccoon may also have rabies.
Next, a raccoon that looks lost, disoriented or wandering may be rabid. These animals are purposeful and are mostly outside foraging. If the raccoon seems to be wondering with no purpose or is not reacting to noises that would typically scare the animal off, it is recommended to exercise caution.
Loss of leg function is a sign of an advanced case of rabies. Be wary of a raccoon that looks like it has a paralyzed leg or legs. Another indication of an advanced infection includes frothing and drooling at the mouth. Although a raccoon that obviously looks sick may have some other disease, it can equally be suffering from rabies.
We strongly encourage you to have common sense and do not approach an animal suspected to have rabies. Please reach out to the proper authorities concerning suspected rabies.
Simply protect your pet from the potential of rabies thru repeated vaccination at the appropriate intervals and in return, potentially protect yourself and close family members.
If you want a personal story behind why we encourage this so much, simply ask at your next visit. The threat can be literally at your doorstep..
https://www.caninejournal.com/rabies-symptoms-in-dogs/
