Rabies

Rabies is an incurable infection that always results in death.

Humans and other mammals are at risk of infection through the saliva of an infected animal. Because of this, it is very important that EVERY cat and dog recieves the rabies vaccination and is kept up-to-date.

  • Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. The virus in the saliva can enter the body through a bite or scratch. It then travels through the nerves of the body and eventually into the brain.

  • Symptoms of rabies can present in different ways.

    Aggressive symptoms include:

    • erratic behavior

    • foaming at the mouth

    • tremours and seizures

    Other symptoms:

    • staring into space

    • lethargy

    • drooling

  • An animal that is suspected to have been bitten by another rabid animal will need to be quarantined for eight weeks. If infected with rabies, the result is death. The only way to test for rabies is through a brain tissue sample.

  • A rabies vaccination should be kept up-to-date for all animals living indoors and outdoors due to the seriousness of the infection. In fact, it is MN State Law that all dogs and cats are up-to-date on rabies vaccination.