We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful six-month-old German Shepherd named River.
My mom says I am a great addition to our family, but as a puppy I still like to get into things, mostly the shoe closet. LOL.
I also love to rearrange my mom’s garden and tease Simba
(our 3-year-old cat).
I am learning so much and mom says I am very smart. Mom says that the family is looking forward to making many memories with me. I can’t WAIT!!!!
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
Rabies is a viral disease found mostly in bats, foxes, skunks, and raccoons. This disease can attack the central nervous system of mammals, including humans.
Rabies is transmitted through saliva primarily through bite wounds. If an animal has rabies, it can spread when the infected salvia encounters an open wound or mucous membrane, such as eyes, nasal cavity or mouth.
There are 2 forms of rabies. The first form of rabies is called “Dumb rabies”, which is when a wild animal show signs of being overly friendly, and show up during the day, when they are normally out at night. Some wild animals may show signs of paralysis, commonly in the neck and face. Drooling or foaming at the mouth is a common sign of rabies in wild animals as well.
The second form of rabies is called “Furious rabies”. The clinical signs are when a wild animal becomes aggressive and begins to attack other animals or objects. If you suspect a rabid animal, please report it to your local health department.
Each year, hundreds of cases of rabies are reported in domestic pets. If your dog has been bitten by another dog, ask the owner if their dog is up to date on their K9 vaccines. Call your vet immediately. Do not “wait to see” if signs develop. Your dog may have to be quarantine for 10 days to see if rabies develops.
Your vet can give a “booster” to your dog’s rabies vaccination and clean the wound. The best way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate your K9.
