Rabies may sound like a disease of the past, but it’s still a present-day risk in Georgia. Each year, rabies is found in local wildlife such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. Pets that come into contact with these animals are at risk if they aren’t vaccinated. With World Rabies Day on September 28, now is the perfect time to review what rabies is, why it’s so dangerous, and how simple vaccinations can keep your pets and your family safe. At Westside Veterinary Hospital, we take rabies prevention seriously because it saves lives.

Recognizing Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. It spreads primarily through bites from infected animals. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal in both animals and people. The tragedy is that rabies is preventable with vaccination.

Rabies symptoms in animals can vary, but they often progress quickly and severely. Warning signs that your pet may have contracted rabies after an exposure include: 

• Sudden changes in behavior, such as aggression or unusual shyness
• Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling
• Staggering, weakness, or partial paralysis.
• Seizures or tremors
• Extreme sensitivity to light and sound

If you believe that your pet has been exposed to rabies, contact your veterinarian right away for next steps. 

Why is the Rabies Vaccine Necessary?

Vaccinating your pets against rabies is good medicine. The rabies vaccination:

• Protects Pets: Vaccines keep dogs and cats safe if they encounter rabid wildlife.
• Protects People: Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can pass from animals to humans.
• Supports Public Health: Community-wide vaccination prevents outbreaks in pets and people.
• Meets Legal Requirements: The rabies vaccine is legally required in Georgia. Proof of rabies vaccination is also often needed for boarding, travel, and grooming.

Rabies Prevention Tips for Cats and Dogs

The biggest tip to stop your pet from getting rabies? Have your pet vaccinated with the rabies vaccine. Puppies and kittens should receive their first rabies vaccine at about 16-18 weeks of age. This vaccine is boostered one year later. Ongoing rabies vaccination is continued every 1 or 3 years after that, depending on the vaccine itself, veterinarian discretion, and local regulations.

Beyond vaccination, pet owners can take simple steps to reduce rabies risk. Keep cats indoors and supervise dogs outdoors. This way, your pets are less likely to come into contact with rabid wildlife. Avoid contact with stray animals or wildlife, especially if they act unusually. If you have kids, teach them not to approach unknown animals. Report suspicious or aggressive wildlife to local authorities. 

Rabies Vaccines in Marietta, GA

Rabies is a serious threat, but it’s also preventable. With routine vaccination, you protect your pets, your family, and the Marietta community from this fatal disease. Westside Veterinary Hospital performs rabies vaccinations in Marietta for dogs and cats from Smyrna, Marietta, Fair Oaks, and nearby areas. Is your pet’s rabies vaccine up to date? Schedule an appointment and join the fight against rabies.