Why World Rabies Day Matters?

Why World Rabies Day Matters?

Each year on the 24^th of September, we commemorate World Rabies Day, an occasion focused on increasing awareness about rabies, a severe but avoidable illness. As a pet owner, this day is a perfect chance to discover ways to safeguard your beloved animals and your loved ones from this harmful virus.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral infection that affects mammals, including humans and pets like dogs and cats. It’s most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, but it’s entirely preventable with vaccination.

What are the signs?

Symptoms of rabies in animals usually vary depending on the disease’s stage. Initial signs frequently involve changes in behavior like increased aggression or abnormal sociability, restlessness, and excessive drooling. As the illness advances, animals may display trouble swallowing, paralysis, and seizures. During the last phases, they might show symptoms of lethargy and lack of responsiveness. It is important to directly seek veterinary care if your pet shows any unusual behavior or signs of illness, as these symptoms may resemble those of other diseases, particularly if there is a potential for rabies exposure.

What Can You Do?

1. Get Your Pet Vaccinated: Vaccinating your pets against rabies is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep them safe, so staying up-to-date with your pet’s vaccination is necessary. As Rabies can be spread from animals to humans, by keeping your pet vaccinated, you’re also helping to prevent the disease from spreading in your community.
2. Avoid Wild Animals: Keep your pets away from wildlife and stray animals. Rabies is often found in wild animals like bats and wild foxes.
3. Seek Immediate Care: If you or your pet is bitten or scratched by an animal, especially in areas where rabies is common, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can prevent the disease.

World Rabies Day serves as a reminder of the significance of preventing rabies. By ensuring your pets are vaccinated and being careful around other animals, you are helping to safeguard your family and community from this deadly illness. Collaborate to ensure the safety of our pets and loved ones – vaccinate, stay informed, and respond promptly to any exposure.

Written by: Dr. Marie Therese Alkassis, ABVC Veterinarian

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