Rabies Myths and Facts

Although rabies is much less prevalent today than previous generations, it remains a serious, deadly disease that understandably frightens people. Many myths persist about rabies because of this fear. It’s important to separate fact from fiction so you have a realistic understanding of your own risk and that of your pets. Knowing the reality of rabies also helps you make informed decisions about prevention.

MYTH: A pet that is bitten by an infected animal doesn’t develop rabies until the infection reaches the brain.
FACT: Rabies has an incubation period ranging from 10 days to more than two months. The time it takes for the infection to reach the brain, muscle tissues, peripheral nerves, or central nervous system depends on the severity and location of the bite. If an infected animal bites your pet, he or she already has rabies before symptoms appear.

MYTH: The only way to contract rabies is through the bite of an infected animal.
FACT: Your pet only needs to come into contact with the saliva of an infected animal to be at risk for rabies. It can be transmitted just as easily through a scratch or an open wound when the carrier has saliva on its claws.

MYTH: Rabies is only transmitted by stray dogs in industrialized nations.
FACT: Domesticated pets that are unvaccinated pose the same risk as stray dogs when it comes to spreading rabies.

MYTH: Foaming at the mouth is the only way that owners know their dog has rabies.
FACT: This is only one late-stage symptoms or rabies. Infected pets may also show significant behavior changes, refuse food, have a seizure, become disoriented, and become paralyzed in the back legs.

MYTH: Rabies vaccinations are painful and have many side effects.
FACT: A rabies vaccination is over quickly, just like any other preventive shot. Your pet may have mild side effects the day of the injection, such as sleepiness or lethargy. However, this is far preferable to an inevitable death that comes with rabies. Visit Our Rabies Vaccination Clinics in April

Buffalo Trace Veterinary Clinic is pleased to offer the following rabies vaccination clinics to our patients and the public: