The rabies vaccine is one of the most important vaccinations we can give our furry friends to keep them safe. We at Animal Works want to help keep your pet safe and help you learn all about rabies.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a fatal virus that is transmitted through saliva that attacks the nervous system. All mammals are capable of being infected and transmitting rabies, but cases occur mostly in wild animals such as raccoons, bats, and foxes.
The Vaccine
The best preventative measure we can take to keep our pets safe is to keep them up-to-date on the rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine contains inactive pieces of the rabies virus, and will not cause the pet to develop rabies. The vaccine will help teach the animal’s immune system how to respond and fight off the virus with the antibodies created by the virus.
Colorado Law requires all dogs and cats 4 months or older to be vaccinated against rabies. Puppies and kittens are eligible to be vaccinated against rabies at 16 weeks old. This vaccine will last for one year, and will need to be boosted after that year. This booster will create more antibodies against the virus and will help the immune system remember how to fight off the virus. After the one-year booster, some rabies vaccines will last for three years and others for one year. It is important to work with your veterinarian and stay up-to-date on rabies boosters for your pet’s whole life.
Vaccinations are an important part of caring for your pet. Keeping them up-to-date on vaccinations will help them live a long, healthy, happy life! And Animal Works would be happy to be a part of that as we offer our vaccination clinic on the first and third Saturday of each month!