The fall season is in full swing, and we will soon notice cooler temperatures and perfect weather to go outside and be active. Beware that fall not only brings climate change but also wildlife change. Yes, this is the season to watch out for wild animals. It could be too easy for your dog or cat to get close to wildlife and contract a disease like rabies. Many pet owners are not aware of rabies and what it can do to our pets. Below is important information for pet owners about rabies.
What is rabies? Rabies is a disease that can be easily passed on to pets, humans, wildlife, and even livestock. The disease attacks the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and is most commonly transmitted through saliva. More than 55,000 people die each year from the disease.
What wildlife animals are known to have rabies? Raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, jackals, mongooses, feral cats, and wild dogs are the most common carriers of rabies.
Will I know when a wild animal has rabies? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. It is very important to remember that wild infected animals may not always show symptoms of rabies like aggressive behavior, confusion, or excessive anxiety. The disease can be asymptomatic.
Can I get rabies? Yes. The disease can be transmitted to humans. Almost every case of rabies has come from a bite by a rabid animal.
Can I vaccinate my pet? Yes. There are several different vaccines for your dog or cat. All pets should be vaccinated between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks old. If you plan on traveling internationally, all rabies free countries and countries with low incidence of rabies require a rabies vaccination. Many countries with high risk of rabies require this vaccine as well.
Rabies isn’t the only disease to watch out for this fall. Many people don’t know that just one bite from a mosquito could transmit heartworm, a serious and often deadly parasite, to your dog or cat. Also, flea and tick populations often increase around this time of year. This season brings all sorts of opportunities for infection, sickness, and disease, which every pet owner should be aware of. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a disease, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian right away.
For more information about your pet’s health and traveling with a pet, visit PetTravel.com
Hello Mr. Hofmann – we are not veterinarians; however, a search for the specs of this vaccine indicates that it is an active monovalent viral vaccine. EU legislation specifies that the vaccine be an inactivated or recombinant vaccine. Best to consult with your veterinarian about this. Note that your pet will need to conform to regulations to enter Poland as well as Switzerland according to the Animal Welfare Law. As there requirements are with few differences, the EU health certificate should be suitable for both countries. Susan
Hello I need to know if the enclosed rabies vaccine is valid for EU/Switzerland, as dog will come by air to Geneva via Poland. Thanks
Provac-rabies-Fc
Mick – you can find requirements to import your dog to Bosnia here: http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/Bosnia_herzegovina.cfm. Know that if you plan to return to the UK, your dog will need a titer test 90 days before returning. You can find UK regulations here: http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/UnitedKingdom.cfm.
Susan
My dog is traveling frome England to Bosnia what does he need to have in passport