A slow, agonizing virus leading to extreme lethargy, madness, and an eventual, but certain death – doesn’t sound very appealing, does it? If you do not vaccinate with rabies shots, your dog or cat faces an uncertain future. Rabies is one of the worst viruses that can affect your pet, and with no preventative measures, such as its annual rabies shots, mortality is, unfortunately, assured. When you vaccinate with rabies shots, you are choosing to extend the life of your pet, protect the community, and follow the letter of the law.

All pet owners should know that rabies is a disease that is caused by a virus that is transmitted from animal to animal and animal to human via a scratch or bite that causes a break in the skin. The virus is in the saliva of an infected animal. Because rabies is fatal to the animal or a human who contracts it, it is vitally important for pet owners to have their vet vaccinate for rabies with either a one year or three year vaccine. In certain regions and/or states with high levels of rabies reports, such as Texas, Virginia, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania , you must vaccinate with rabies shots at least once a year.

This is the time of year when there is a lot of activity around your home. Getting ready for the holiday season, shopping, visitors in and out of the house, and cooking, sometimes in the hectic pace, you may overlook your dog. Your dog can become stressed because things are different from the normal pace, and he knows that something “is up.”

He can begin to worry or become fearful because he doesn’t understand what is going on. This can produce stress that causes the nervous system to release adrenaline and other chemicals into the bloodstream. That causes the lungs, heart and blood pressure to increase and can deplete the body of its natural chemicals that help your dog to relax and calm down. This constant action can cause physical and mental fatigue.