How to Prevent Your Animal From Getting Rabies

Rabies is a virus transmitted through infected animals. Many animals can transmit rabies. Within the United States, a few animals responsible for transmitting rabies include bats, skunks and raccoons. Rabies affects your pet's nervous system and can cause aggressiveness, convulsions and paralysis. Without treatment, the prognosis is fatal. Rabies is a preventable disease, and there are many ways you can keep your pet safe.

Things You'll Need

Rabies vaccination

Instructions

- 1
  
  Vaccinations are an important part of a pet's health regimen.
  
  Vaccinate your pet on a regular basis, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A rabies vaccination is not only a precautionary measure, but it helps protect your pet if it is bitten by an infected animal.
- 2
  
  Keeping pets indoors also reduces their chances of getting killed by wildlife or getting fleas, tick and parasites.
  
  Keep your pets inside. Pets are curious creatures and are apt to approach other animals.
- 3
  
  Feeding pets outdoors attracts insects and birds as well as rodents and other animals.
  
  Feed your pets indoors. Feeding your pets outdoors invites unwanted animals to your home.
- 4
  
  Don't allow your pet near strays.
  
  Call your local animal control center when you spot any stray animals. Stray animals may not have received a rabies shot.
- 5
  
  Do not let your dog run wild.
  
  Keep your dog on a leash when you go for walks. This is especially important if you hike in the wilderness.
- 6
  
  Keep the little critters safe.
  
  Keep smaller animals that can't be vaccinated within their cages. Don't let them go outdoors. Animals that can't be vaccinated include guinea pigs and hamsters.