Vaccines are important for your pets. They help prevent a wide array of illnesses. Having the necessary vaccinations can help keep your pet healthy. In some cases, it is the law to have current vaccinations, such as the rabies vaccination. Rabies is always fatal, but it is completely preventable. The rabies vaccination is just one of many ways to protect your pet.

Core Vaccines

Core vaccines are the vaccines that are universally recommended for pets. Core vaccines for dogs include the parvovirus, rabies, distemper, and canine hepatitis vaccine. The core vaccines for cats include the panleukopenia, parvovirus, herpesvirus, rabies, and calcivirus vaccinations.

Flu Vaccine

In severe cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia and cause plenty of other respiratory issues. The flu vaccine may not completely prevent the illness, but it will significantly lessen the severity and duration. This vaccine is especially important for pets that are consistently in contact with other pets, such as dogs that regularly attend daycare or boarding services. Some kennels even require that your pet receive the flu vaccine prior to boarding.

Rattlesnake Vaccine

The rattlesnake vaccine helps to reduce the effects of a bite from a Diamondback Rattlesnake. This is especially important if you consistently hike with your dog in Utah. A curious dog may very well come into contact with a rattlesnake. The vaccine may offer limited protection against other types of snake venom, as well. Vaccines should be given to the pet 30 days prior to exposure, because it takes 30 days for the antibodies to function effectively. Boosters should be given every 6 months.

Vaccinations can go a long way toward keeping your pets healthy. They can prevent many illnesses that could be disastrous for your companion. To learn more about the necessary vaccinations for your pet, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital today!

Rabies is a dangerously common illness that almost always has fatal consequences. Live animals can’t be tested for rabies, so they must be quarantined to determine whether or not they have rabies. Rabies has a long incubation period, but the virus can’t be transmitted until the animal begins showing symptoms. Animals exhibiting signs of rabies die within days. Only after that can their brain tissue be tested for the presence of rabies.

Consequences of Rabies

There is no cure for rabies. It is almost always fatal. Rabies is able to infect all mammals and it occurs most often in raccoons, bats, coyotes, foxes, and skunks. It is spread through saliva, usually through a bite. In rarer circumstances, it may be transmitted through open wounds or the skin by the eyes and nose.

It results in significant behavioral changes in the animal. This can be aggression, confusion, or many other behaviors. Eventually, they will likely become sensitive to light and, shortly after, they will die.

Preventing Rabies

Preventing rabies is important because there is no cure. There are vaccinations for rabies. In most places, having your pets vaccinated against rabies is the law. They must receive a series of vaccinations in their early years and frequent boosters.

Never keep wild animals as pets. Not only is this illegal in most cases, but they can also spread rabies. It is also important to prevent any interaction with wild animals. Wild animals don’t receive vaccinations and can transmit rabies to you or your pets.

Rabies is an incredibly serious condition. Prevention is the only way to protect your pets. Make sure that their rabies vaccinations are always kept up to date. If you are unsure when your pet needs their next vaccination, contact your veterinarian today. To learn more about rabies prevention, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital today!