09/28/2026
Today is World Rabies Day!
Globally, rabies claims the lives of approximately 59,000 people each year. The vast majority of these cases are caused by infected dog bites, mostly in developing countries.
Rabies is primarily transmitted through saliva from a bite or scratch of an infected animal.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers rabies 100% preventable. One of the most effective ways to help stop its spread is by keeping your dogs and cats up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
Fun fact: The first effective vaccine was created in 1885!
The most common animals in the United States to carry rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, and even foxes. Reporting any strange activity you see or bites/scratches from these animals is ALWAYS recommended so we can keep track of the disease and the cases.
How can you help yourself and your pets safe? Follow these simple steps:
-Keep your pets current on their rabies vaccine, even if kept indoors. Bats can enter your home and pose a threat to your pets and you.
-Monitor your pets outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk.
-Do not feed or handle wild animals!
-Learn general animal behavior for domestic and wild animals to help prevent a bite from occurring.
Once symptoms are shown, rabies is usually always fatal, BUT it is preventable. Please make sure you’re helping yourself and your community by keeping your pet’s rabies vaccine up to date.
If you’re questioning whether or not your pets vaccine is still good, please give us a call!
