Inc. The threat of rabies may be as close as your backyard. These animals are the ones most likely to expose your pet to this deadly disease. All mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies. While wild animals account for over 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States, more than half of the human exposure to rabies involves family pets. Infected domestic animals may carry the virus for six months before exhibiting clinical signs of the disease.
Rabies can take one of two forms.
Paralysis of the jaw is followed rapidly by general paralysis. After clinical signs are observed, the animal usually dies within two to seven days. Once your pet has exhibited clinical signs, there is no cure for rabies. The only proven method of control involves routine vaccination of pets along with control of stray dogs, cats and wildlife that can carry the disease. In most communities, local regulations require that dogs be protected against rabies.