Rabies
Rabies is a disease that affects the brain in mammals. It’s usually passed from animal to animal but it can be passed between animals and humans. Rabies is caused by a virus that is transmitted through saliva. Rabies is fatal if not treated before onset.
Texas State Law requires all cats and dogs to have current rabies vaccinations.
Top 5 animals that can carry rabies
- Bats
- Skunks
- Coyotes
- Foxes
- Raccoons
Preventing Rabies
- Vaccinate your dogs and cats
- Restrain your pets; do not allow them to roam freely in public
- Avoid contact with wild animals and unknown dogs and cats
- Do not touch sick or injured animals
- If your pet is bitten, scratched, or in a fight with any animal, call Animal Control.
Recognizing Rabies
The first symptoms of rabies include
- Change in personality, depression
- Fever and loss of appetite
Advance signs progress within days to nervous system abnormalities such as
- Abnormal behavior, aggression, and/or self-mutilation
- Dropped jaw, tongue incoordination, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation
- Wobbly, weakness, paralysis, seizures
It is recommended that you seek medical attention for yourself or your animal in all circumstances where there is a possibility of exposure to rabies.