Although it may not seem like a cause for concern if you have an indoor pet, they’re still vulnerable to common diseases, such as rabies. It’s natural for furry friends to escape through a cracked door and explore their surroundings. While they do so, they may encounter an animal with the disease. It’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for pet vaccinations to prevent serious illnesses from affecting your furry friend. If you’re unsure whether your indoor pet should receive the rabies vaccine, consider the important information in the guide below.

What Is Rabies?

Characterized by hallucinations, convulsions, seizures, paralysis, and high levels of aggression, rabies is a virus that transfers through saliva and inflames the brain. It’s often instantly recognizable when an animal foams at the mouth because the virus affects the nervous system, making saliva difficult to swallow.

What Does a Pet Vaccination for Rabies Do? 

The vaccine injects an inactivated rabies virus into your pet’s body so that their immune system learns to recognize it and produce antibodies to fight it. That way, if an animal with rabies bites them or gets saliva in their eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound, they’re less likely to be affected by the disease. For extra protection, it’s important to keep your pet away from wild animals and ensure that your home has no points of entry for them. This may include installing screens in air conditioning vents and closing doggy doors at night. Spaying and neutering also deter your pets from wandering far. 

Why Is This Vaccination Important? 

To travel from state to state, you often need a health certificate demonstrating that a qualified veterinarian administered the vaccine. It’s crucial to schedule a pet vaccination to protect your pet while they travel, especially if you’re planning to walk them in an area populated by other animals.  

Also, rabies is fatal once the symptoms arrive. All it takes is one bite or a few drops of saliva on an exposed body part from the wrong animal and your pet may contract the disease. After that, there would be little else to do besides quarantine them or even have them put to sleep at a veterinary hospital. No matter the odds, it’s just safer for your pet to be vaccinated. 

You can get all the pet vaccinations your furry friend needs, including rabies, at Avon Animal Hospital in Avon, NY. They’re available for every important health service that your pet needs, whether it’s a routine pet checkup or a surgery. Call (585) 226-6144 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to browse their services.