Rabies Information from Your Kalamazoo Mobile Veterinarian

While every dog owner has heard of rabies, many may not know exactly what it is or what signs to look for. Because of the lethal nature of rabies, it’s extremely important to make sure your dog is properly vaccinated. Most of the time rabies is contracted by the bite and saliva of another warm-blooded animal that is infected by the acute viral infection.

What to look for

The speed at which symptoms of the virus can be seen ranges from days to months. Once infected, the rabies virus travels along the nerves and into the brain. If your dog is infected, you may notice some or all of the following symptoms:

• Change in behavior
• Loss of coordination
• Disorientation
• Seizures or paralysis
• Change in vocal tone

Unfortunately, as mentioned above once your dog is infected, the prognosis is serious. All dogs will succumb to the rabies virus within a week to ten days from the beginning of clinical signs and symptoms.

How to prevent rabies

The good news is that rabies can be prevented by a safe, simple vaccination. This means that it is your absolute imperative as a dog owner to make sure your pet is vaccinated – vaccination is even required by state law in Michigan for dogs twelve weeks of age and older. Having your dog vaccinated will not only protect them but also other animals, including humans! protection of both your dog as well as people since human exposure can have dire consequences.

If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a rabies vaccine, complete with a certificate, contact Creature Comfort, your Kalamazoo mobile veterinarian today.