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New Yorkie Information - Topic of the Month
8-25-2010
Could Your Yorkie Actually Get Rabies?
Rabies. It’s a very scary word. We think that we are protecting our Yorkie by having them vaccinated. We think that we are safe if we don’t live right next to wildlife. However, could your dog still get rabies? How would this happen? How would you know?
We hear of animals foaming at the mouth and people only having hours to get help if they are bitten by an infected animal. However, let’s look at what rabies really is.
Let’s discuss how it is that your Yorkie would be able to get rabies, the real symptoms of it and how to protect your dog.
Separating the myths from the facts of rabies will help every Yorkie owner keep their dog healthy. This vital information will protect both you and your dog.
Therefore, our new topic is: Could Your Yorkie Actually Get Rabies?
Could Your Yorkie Actually Get Rabies?
Rabies. It’s a very scary word. We think that we are protecting our Yorkie by having them vaccinated. We think that we are safe if we don’t live right next to wildlife. However, could your dog still get rabies? How would this happen? How would you know?
We hear of animals foaming at the mouth and people only having hours to get help if they are bitten by an infected animal. However, let’s look at what rabies really is.
Let’s discuss how it is that your Yorkie would be able to get rabies, the real symptoms of it and how to protect your dog.
Separating the myths from the facts of rabies will help every Yorkie owner keep their dog healthy. This vital information will protect both you and your dog.
Therefore, our new topic is: Could Your Yorkie Actually Get Rabies?
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Overview of RabiesThis is a disease that affects the central nervous system of any mammal, including humans. An animal with rabies carries this virus in their saliva.
While some animals are more prone to rabies such as raccoons, skunks and the fox there are other animals that almost never carry the virus such as hamsters, rabbits, gerbils rats and mice. There are no case studies of fish, bugs or reptiles ever having rabies.
Rabies is transmitted from animal to animal or animal to human through biting. However, it can also be transmitted if the infected animal’s saliva gets into a cut or open wound on an animal or person. If the salvia gets into the mouth, nose or eyes, the rabies can be transmitted also!
Therefore, it is important to realize that rabies is not only given by bite!
The Real Symptoms of Rabies
Unlike what many of us see on TV and the movies, the real symptoms of rabies are quite different. These are the symptoms that will occur when an animal is carrying the virus and can give it to your Yorkie, but before they fall ill to the full affects:
1. An infected animal may stumble around or appear lost in a daze, but this is not always present
2. ½ of animals with rabies will become very aggressive. What happens to the other 50%? They are unusually calm and overly friendly!
3. A rabid animal may become terrified of water. They may also show reverse symptoms and jump into water to swim!
4. An animal does not need to be foaming at the mouth! There is actually no way to know if an animal has rabies by looking at them. Any stray animal or wild animal may be carrying the rabies virus.
Full Blown Rabies
Once an animal reaches the “Clinical” stage, there is no treatment that will help. There are 3 phases to this stage.
1. Prodomal – this lasts 2 to 3 days. Behavior may change (sometimes as above with friendly behavior), the animal will have slower reflexes (most obvious in eye movement) and may have a fever
2. Furious – this comes next and lasts 2 to 4 days. Behavior will become very strange can may include restlessness, aggression, roaming aimlessly, and attacking objects with aggression (such as dog toys).
3. Paralytic – this final stage lasts 2 to 4 days. The animal will become paralyzed. It is at this time that drooling will begin as the face is paralyzed (this is where the foaming-at-the-mouth stereotype was created). As the paralysis becomes worse, an animal will no longer be able to breath and this is what causes the animal to pass away.
What To Do if Your Yorkie Has Been Bitten or Has Come in Close Contact With a Potentially Infected Animal
1. Of course, you must have your Yorkie vaccinated. There are very few areas in the world that do not need this. For example, in Australia, the British Isles and Antarctica rabies does not exist and dogs do not need to be vaccinated in most of these regions. However, in most other countries it is the law to have pets vaccinated. This must be done without exception. Each area has its own set of guidelines as to how often a dog should be vaccinated. Your Yorkie’s veterinarian is certainly familiar with this. Appointments should never be missed!
2. If your Yorkie is bitten by or comes into close contact with a wild animal, will he or she be safe if they are vaccinated? The answer is not “yes”! The answer is “probably”!
Your Yorkie should be re-vaccinated ( a booster shot ) and then quarantined for 3 months. If your vet believes that you are over-reacting, get a new vet ASAP!
3. If for some reason you have not gotten your Yorkie vaccinated for rabies, it is absolutely necessary to report the bite to your dog’s vet or animal control. Your Yorkie will need to be quarantined for up to 6 months and if all seems fine at month #5, they will be given the rabies vaccine.
What Could Happen if Your Yorkie Bites Someone?
In many areas, your Yorkie could be quarantined for 10 days. This is the amount of time it takes for rabies to destroy an animal or person. You should be able to get your Yorkie back after these 10 days. Of course, you then need to work on training your dog for aggression issues. In some areas, the local law will dictate that the animal control can euthanize a dog if they believe it is showing symptoms.
How Can You Keep Your Yorkie Safe?
1. While you most likely already do it, always keep your Yorkie on a leash. Even the most highly trained dogs can suddenly allow instinct to kick in and chase after a wild animal.
2. Spay or neuter your Yorkie. So many puppies end up without homes. These pups that should have happy homes are often running around as strays and more likely to get rabies! Spaying or neutering is a way for every dog owner to make a difference with the severe problem of over population of dogs.
3. Do not encourage animals to come near your property. While it may seem cute to see a raccoon nibbling on corn that you leave out for him, this only will cause a big problem down the line. Wild animals will begin to flock to your home if you allow it to be a food source. While you may feel very badly for a stray dog, it is best to call a dog rescue to help. Please do not call a dog shelter, as most will euthanize or gas a dog after as little as 3 days.
To Summarize
• The best way to keep your Yorkie healthy is to:
• Keep your dog away from wild animals and keep wild animals away from your home
• Make sure your dog is vaccinated exactly as the should be for your area
• If your dog is bitten or comes into close contact with a wild animal, bring your Yorkie to the veterinarian for a rabies booster shot immediately! Quarantine your dog for 10 days to make sure all is okay.
• Know the true signs of rabies
While the odds are very much against your dog having to face this issue, understanding the facts helps protect both you and your dog. Knowing that you do all you can to keep your dog healthy and able to live a long life will give you peace of mind and make you a great owner!
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