05/26/2026
๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ, ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ ๐
๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ & ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ
As the weather warms up, you might notice bats roosting under patio umbrellas, furniture covers, or tucked into quiet outdoor spaces. While bats play an important role in the ecosystem, they can pose a risk to pets if thereโs direct contact.
Dogs and cats are naturally curiousโand unfortunately, that can mean sniffing, biting, or even trying to eat a bat.
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ:
โข Bats are one of the primary wildlife carriers of rabies
โข Even a small bite or scratch can transmit the virus
โข In some cases, you may not see a wound at all
๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฐ๐๐ญ๐๐ก ๐๐จ๐ซ:
โข Finding a bat in your yard, on the ground, or inside your home
โข Your pet playing with or carrying a bat
โข Sudden lethargy, behavior changes, or drooling (seek care immediately)
๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฉ๐๐ญ ๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ ๐๐๐ญ:
โข Do NOT touch the bat with bare hands
โข Safely contain your pet and the area if possible
โข Contact your veterinarian right away
โข Your petโs rabies vaccination status will guide next steps
๐๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ:
โข Shake out or check patio furniture and covers before use
โข Supervise pets outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
โข Keep rabies vaccinations up to date
โข Avoid letting pets investigate wildlife
If you ever have concerns about wildlife exposure, donโt waitโreach out to your veterinary team. Quick action can make all the difference.
