Here’s Why the Dog Rabies Vaccine in Ukiah, CA is Crucial

As a dog owner, you’re probably already aware that you need to have your dog vaccinated against rabies annually. However, some dog owners may not be completely sure about this vaccination or may have some questions about just how useful it really is for their pets.

In the article below, you’ll find out some of the most important reasons why you need to have your dog vaccinated against rabies. Read through this list and see if you still have any questions. If so, you can speak to your veterinarian for more information from there.

Dog Rabies Vaccine in Ukiah, CA

Rabies is Always Fatal

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that rabies is always fatal. If your dog is infected by rabies, she will die from it. If you take her to the vet and she is diagnosed with rabies, the vet may have her euthanized there in order to prevent her from suffering as well as prevent her from spreading rabies to others.

Your dog does not have to suffer this type of horrible, untimely death. If you have her vaccinated for rabies on a regular schedule, she will not be at risk of contracting this illness, and it therefore will not be a risk of fatality for her.

Rabies is Extremely Contagious

Rabies is highly contagious and can be spread very easily from an infected dog to a healthy animal. Dogs can infect other dogs, cats, wild animals, and even humans with rabies, and they can do so through biting or licking the healthy animal in question.

The contagious nature of this disease is one of the reasons why the vaccination is so important. By having your dog vaccinated against rabies, you can prevent her from infecting other animals with it. She will be safe, but she will also make sure other dogs are safe in her presence.

Rabies is Gruesome

Rabies is a slow, painful, and scary way for a pet to die, and it is entirely preventable as well. The gruesome symptoms associated with rabies include trouble swallowing, fear of water, increased anxiety and restlessness, and extreme aggression. Aggressive animals may also suddenly become affectionate as well.

This disease eventually leads to increased paralysis throughout the dog’s body, which includes an inability for the dog to move or swallow at all. The dog will then “foam” at the mouth or drool excessively. Soon after, the dog will be unable to breathe anymore and will die from the progression of this disease.

The Rabies Vaccine Prevents this Disease

Although it might go without saying, it’s important to remember that the rabies vaccine is effective at treating this condition and is the best way to prevent rabies in your dog.

By having your dog vaccinated against rabies early and as often as the vet recommends, you can protect your pet and remove the risk that she could contract this disease as well.

The Rabies Vaccine Protects Your Household

We’ve already touched on just how contagious rabies is and how the vaccine helps prevent your dog from spreading it to other dogs. However, you should also keep in mind that you can protect your whole household by having your dog vaccinated for rabies annually, too.

Rabies can easily be spread to humans through bites and even sometimes through licking. If your dog is infected, your whole family is at risk and will need to go through several difficult injection treatments to prevent the disease from taking hold. Additionally, there is always a risk that one of your family members could contract rabies even still.

The Rabies Vaccine is Legally Required

In many places around the world, the rabies vaccination is required by law. Vets can refuse service to pets that have not been vaccinated at the proper age, and you may get in legal trouble if you’re found to have a dog who is unvaccinated for rabies without a legitimate explanation from your vet.

Additionally, your dog will be unable to stay in boarding facilities, travel to hotels or on airplanes, go to dog parks, or go to the groomer without a rabies vaccine. By having your dog vaccinated, you can ensure she is welcome at all of these locations and more.

In Conclusion

As you can see, there are tons of reasons why the rabies vaccine is so necessary for your pet. It is very important to keep up with this vaccination for your dog, and to have her vaccinated as a puppy as soon as it is safe to do so, too. With the help of a trusted vet, you can keep up with your dog’s vaccination schedule with no trouble.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your dog’s health or wellness, be sure to talk to your vet for more information. Your vet can answer any questions you may have that are specific to your pet.

Call (707) 462-8833 or use the online form to book an appointment at Mendocino Animal Hospital!

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About Mendocino Animal Hospital

At Mendocino Animal Hospital, we believe in fostering the human-animal bond with excellent veterinary medicine. Our full-service veterinary practice operates in Ukiah, CA with a team of skilled veterinarians and a passionate, talented support staff who make you feel like a part of the family.

As an AAHA-accredited animal hospital, every service and aspect of our practice meets AAHA’s Standards of Excellence. No matter what your pet comes in for, they’ll receive only the best in care, compassion, and service.