Georgie received her rabies vaccination while at Ahimsa Haven Animal Shelter. (Courtesy of Ahimsa Heaven Animal Protection Group)
For pets: Why is rabies vaccination important? – Cat obsessed
Dear cat lovers: Vaccinations are important to protect your pet from death. Domestic pets that come into contact with wild animals that carry the disease die. Yes, that's bad news, but the good news is that rabies vaccines work. The bad news is that wild animals and livestock test positive for rabies every year.
According to the Mass.gov website, “More than 5,000 animals have tested positive for rabies in Massachusetts since 1992.”
The majority of these cases occur in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, woodchucks, foxes, and especially bats, but domestic animals and pets (especially cats) can also become infected with rabies.
Massachusetts law requires puppies and kittens (including ferrets) to be vaccinated by 6 months of age. When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you will know that the pet has been vaccinated.
said Dr. Ashley Raymond, Medical Director of Second Chance Animal Services. “This vaccine will not only keep your pet safe, but it will also help prevent the spread of this dangerous disease. This law is designed to protect humans from this disease, which can be fatal if not acted upon quickly. Masu.”
If you didn't adopt your pet from a shelter that requires rabies vaccinations, get your pet vaccinated for rabies right away. And no, you can't tell if your pet has the disease just by looking at it.
Understand that rabies is a vicious killer. Symptoms include fever, seizures, lack of coordination or paralysis, and behavioral changes (shyness or aggression), and symptoms may take up to a month to appear.
“Rabies is a deadly virus that affects both humans and animals, and most mammals are susceptible,” Dr. Raymond added. “Rabies in unvaccinated pets is almost always fatal.”
Keep your pet healthy by booking an appointment at the next Jeffrey P. Stevens Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic. His next event will be held on Saturday, April 13th from 9:00 PM to 12:00 PM at the Fitchburg Fire Department located at 33 North Street. Pet owners from all towns are welcome to participate. Call 508-637-1333 to make a reservation or visit Secondchanceanimals.org. 1 year and he is eligible for rabies vaccinations for 3 years. The clinic is sponsored by Second Chance Animal Services and made possible in part through a grant from the North Central Massachusetts Community Foundation.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive Therapy Pets and Community Education.Send questions to sallycragin@gmail.com
