There is no treatment for rabies, as anyone who has cried through the end of ̶0;Old Yeller̶1; can attest. However, there is a means of prevention for this always-fatal disease of the nervous system--the rabies vaccination--as long as the shots stay current.
-
Puppies
-
It is state law throughout the United States that puppies have their rabies vaccination around the age of three to four months. A booster shot at one year is also mandatory.
Boosters
-
After the dog has received its one-year booster rabies vaccination, state laws require that the canine have booster shots to keep it protected from rabies as it grows older. These vaccination boosters come in different types, with one keeping the dog safe for up to three years.
Considerations
-
According to the Pet Education.com website, the longest rabies booster, the three-year vaccine, is very reliable, but some states still require the dog to have a rabies shot every year or every other year.
Lack of Protection
-
Despite the fact that vaccinating against rabies is the law throughout the U.S., half of all dogs may still lack the proper vaccination against this terrible ailment.
Misconceptions
-
While many people think that a bite from an infected animal automatically means the transmission of rabies, the Dog Health Guide website states that only about 15 percent of these bites precipitate the disease.
-