
Rabies is caused by a virus and it is almost always 100% fatal. The causative agent has a predilection to the animal’s nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerve of mammals. The good news is, rabies is a preventable disease. Proper vaccination protects pets and humans from infection. There are several routes by which the rabies virus can be infected:
- Through the bite of an infected animal
- When the infected animal’s saliva enters the body of another animal through an open, fresh wound or the mucus membranes
- A dog can get if from wild animals, such as bats, skunks, raccoon, and foxes.
- The risk of acquiring rabies infection is highest in places where there is a high number of free-roaming dogs and cats that remain unvaccinated.
Consult your veterinarian Hyattsville, MD about the best way to protect your pet against rabies infection. Click here for additional details.