How to Prevent Death by Rabies for Your Kids and Pets

I received a postcard from the Summit County Health District in my utilities bill this month that had some tips/facts on rabies and how to prevent rabies for our kids and pets.  I thought that I would share with you all so that we all have a safe Spring/Summer and rabies free!

What exactly is the medical definition of rabies you ask? Well according to kidshealth.org, Rabies is a virus that in the U.S. is usually transmitted by a bite from a wild infected animal, such as a bat, raccoon, skunk, or fox. If a bite from a rabid animal goes untreated and rabies develops, it is almost always fatal.

How to Prevent Rabies

• Have your pets vaccinated and keep them current on their rabies vaccination
• DO NOT pet, feed or adopt wildlife
• TEACH your children to avoid wild animals or unknown animals (stray dogs/cats)
• Keep your dogs on your property…Pets that roam are at higher risk for rabies exposure
• DO NOT leave your pets food outdoors
• Cover all garbage cans
• Keep wild animals out of your home by securing doors, windows, chimney caps, screened porches, basements and attics.
• Call your doctor if you have been a victim of a bite! Call your veterinarian  if your pet fought or received a bite from a wild animal
• REPORT all animal bites to your local health department

What are some Signs and Symptoms of Rabies?

The first symptoms can appear from a few days to more than a year after the bite occurs. One of the most distinctive signs of a rabies infection is a tingling or twitching sensation around the area of the animal bite. It is often accompanied by a fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue. As the infection progresses, someone infected with rabies may develop any of these symptoms:

• irritability
• excessive movements or agitation
• confusion
• hallucinations
• aggressiveness
• bizarre or abnormal thoughts
• muscle spasms
• abnormal postures
• seizures (convulsions)
• weakness or paralysis (when a person cannot move some part of the body)
• extreme sensitivity to bright lights, sounds, or touch
• increased production of saliva or tears
• difficulty speaking

Get Low Cost Rabies Vaccination in Akron, Ohio

If you are wondering where you can get your dog/cat a Rabies vaccination…I have good news for you!  The Summit County Health District is cooperation with Pet Guards, Inc. is offering LOW COST rabies vaccination clinics May-November.  For a small fee of only $5.00 per rabies vaccination shot  per animal you can ensure your dog/cat will be safe against rabies! Additional vaccinations will also be available at a reduced cost from Pet Guards, Inc. so if Fido needs to be up to date on other vaccinations it would be the perfect opportunity to take care of those at these LOW COST clinics.   There are other locations available other than just Akron (Sagamore Hills, Barberton, Green) please visit www.schd.org to see the date/times of these other locations.

Low Cost Rabies Clinic in Akron, Ohio

• Monday, August 15, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Summit Lake Community Center  (380 W. Crosier St. Akron, OH 44311)
• Monday, September 12, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Reservoir Park Community Center (1735 Hillside Terr. Akron, OH 44310
• Monday, October 17, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Patterson Park Community Center (800 Patterson Ave. Akron, Ohio 44310

For more information or questions you can visit the following website www.schd.org or you can call 330-926-5600 or 330-375-2405.  Thanks to the Summit County Health District for the tips/information on preventing rabies and for setting up these wonderful LOW COST clinics to residents of Summit County.

Joanna

Joanna feels blessed to be a mom and homemaker for her family and loves a good cup of coffee (or two) while chatting with friends! Joanna is also a dog enthusiast! Joanna was an author on AkronOhioMoms.com from 2010-2012.