All About Rabies - Avoidance and What to Do If You Get Bit

When I was young, I came dangerously close to getting rabies. My brother and I found a rather friendly groundhog in the field behind our home. I was blissfully unaware that my new ‘pet’ could have been a dangerous animal.

It was following us and allowed us to pet him. We didn’t think it was odd, we thought it was cool. We put him in an old cage by our neighbor’s house, and fed and played with him. We didn’t even close the cage, the groundhog just stayed there, and eventually died. Thinking back now, I realize he probably had rabies, and my brother and I were both very lucky.

What Is Rabies?

Animals generally carry rabies. This virus is easily transferred from animal to human by way of blood, saliva and other bodily fluids. You don’t even have to get bit to contract rabies from an infected animal, though this is by far the most common way. The most common carriers of rabies are cats, dogs, bats, raccoons, and other smaller animals.

There are two types of rabies. The first affects the brain and will turn the animal aggressive and unpredictable. The second type makes the victim weak and friendly after affecting the spinal cord.

Avoid

Keep your garbage tightly closed and clean up after backyard picnics or parties. Keep basement and attic windows secure so wild animals cannot enter your home. Use precautions on all openings in your homes including windows, chimneys and dryer vents.

Don’t pet wild animals that walk right up to you. This should send up a red flag. Get inside your home, and make sure you take your pets with you. Back away from the animal without turning your back to it. Call the police or animal control to report any strange animal in your yard.

Protect Your Pets

Don’t leave your dog chained up in your yard while you are not present. If a rabid animal comes after them, they are defenseless. It is best to feed all pets inside so you don’t attract wild animals to your yard.

The most important thing you can do to avoid rabies is to have your pets vaccinated and be sure your pets receives rabies booster shots as necessary.