Prevention is Better Than Cure: Why Do We Vaccinate our Dogs for Rabies?
by Maria Catherina “Catey” Carlos, Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
An important Dog Vaccine is the Anti-Rabies Vaccine.
Just as how we humans vaccinate for flu yearly, dogs must vaccinate for rabies every 1-3 years.
As a pet owner, you’ve probably heard the word “rabies” several times, either when talking to fellow pet owners, or to vets. Most of you would know that this disease is in fact, very dangerous. You might also know that this disease is transmitted through an animal bite.
However, there is a lot more to rabies than one might think. What many might not know is that rabies is categorized as a “fatal” disease.
Learn About Rabies
- How does rabies work?
Once bitten, the rabies virus travels through the nerves, then to the spinal cord. Through the spinal cord, it reaches the brain. In the brain, it multiplies and then infects the nerve cells. This eventually leads to death.
Additionally, rabies is not only transferred through an animal bite. The rabies virus is contained in the saliva of the affected animal. If that saliva happens to land on broken skin, or mucous membranes (which are found on your nose and mouth!), then one can get infected.
What are the vaccines that your dog needs? Check the Dog Vaccination Schedule.
- Preventable, but not treatable
Another reason why rabies is so devastating is because there is currently no treatment. It has a 99% mortality rate. Once the symptoms show up, it’s over. What makes it worse is that rabies symptoms can take weeks, or even months to show up.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Rabies is one of the most easily preventable diseases. The rabies vaccine is highly effective, which makes the virus have a 100% prevention rate. It’s even possible to fully eliminate rabies. In fact, the U.S. state of Hawaii is successful in doing this
If you, a responsible pet owner do the proper medical care which is:
- Vaccinate cat or dog every 1-3 years
- If bitten, get vaccinated for rabies immediately
Then it is likely that you or your pet will not get infected with the virus
By vaccinating your pets from rabies, you are not only saving your own life, but you are also saving the lives of many other people, animals, and of course, your pet.
Is your pet not vaccinated? Contact Makati Dog & Cat Hospital here: (Viber) 09088967113 or makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com