Celebrate World Rabies Day on September 28th by getting the facts on rabies prevention and ensuring that you and your family are free from rabies. We have a wealth of information on our website that shares facts about prevention and rabies in our communities. Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals usually transmitted through the [...]
We often are asked “Why do I need to get the rabies vaccine if my pets never go outside where they can be exposed to rabies?” The simple answer is any indoor pet can get loose and run out the door. In addition, rabid animals do not act like normal animals and there are accounts of [...]
Rabies is a serious disease caused by a rhabdovirus. It is one of the most feared infections of all time. Rabies was first discovered in the 16th century to be fatal by Girolamo Fracastoroand and in 1885 Louis Pasteur created the first vaccination. Despite today’s modern vaccination programs, the virus is still a threat to [...]
We often get asked questions about vaccinating pets. As we celebrate World Rabies Day this month, here are some answers to some of the commonly asked questions about rabies vaccinations. How often do I need to get my pet vaccinated against rabies? Dogs: The first rabies vaccination should be given at 14 weeks or older. [...]
The Montgomery County Health Department receives calls daily from people who were trying to do a good deed by helping an animal in distress only to end up bitten, injured and facing the possibility of having contracted rabies (see our blog to learn more https://www.gilbertsvillevet.com/good-deed-could-have-deadly-reprucussions/). The most common carriers of rabies in Pennsylvania are bats, [...]
We often are asked “Why do I need to vaccinate my indoor pets if they will never go outside where they can be exposed to rabies?” The simple answer is any indoor pet can get loose and run out the door. In addition, rabid animals do not act like normal animals and there are accounts [...]
Shayd was one of hundreds of "bully dog" mixed breeds found at the Berks Animal Rescue League almost 2 years ago. I spend quite a bit of time there and was asked to examine her one day because she was ill. She was pulled off the streets of Reading intact, heavy with milk from a [...]
What is Rabies? Rabies is a virus of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) that can affect any mammal. Rabies is widespread throughout Pennsylvania. What are the signs of Rabies? Rabies signs are grouped into two forms known as either the "Furious" form of rabies or the "Paralytic" (or "Dumb" form). An [...]
"Good Deed" Could Have Deadly Repercussions” We all have a soft heart for dogs, cats and wild animals that appear to be lost or injured. What we don't think about is how we are putting ourselves at risk. Every time we attempt to help, we are putting ourselves at risk for injury, disease and rabies. [...]