For many of us, caring for a pet is one of the most wonderful and rewarding things we can do for a happy life. Most of us do all the right things to care for our pets. However, some threats to our health and that of our pets, especially dogs, might catch you by surprise. For example, despite the low prevalence of the disease in Canada, it’s important to be aware of rabies.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals such as dogs, cats, foxes and even humans. Once clinical signs appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
Although pet vaccines and responsible pet ownership have helped prevent rabies in pets due to wildlife rabies in Canada, the risk of introducing different strains of rabies, such as dog rabies, through imported dogs still exists.
Here are three steps you can take to avoid having a new dog bring the disease home.
Understand the risk. Rabies can have a long incubation period so an infected dog may not appear sick until months later.
Once symptoms appear, rabies is fatal. Rabies also can’t be tested when the dog is alive because it requires a brain tissue sample (which can’t be collected without causing its death). Giving a rabies vaccine to a dog that is already infected with rabies is not likely to be protective either.
Even if a dog is vaccinated, if the vaccine was not manufactured, stored or administered properly it may not be protective.
Lower your risk. It’s possible to import a rabid dog without knowing it, so always ask where your prospective pup is from, whether it’s been vaccinated against rabies, when it was vaccinated and if you can have a copy of the certificate. Make sure the dog has the proper import documentation such as vaccination and veterinary records and general health check information.
Know your rights and responsibilities. Animals can’t speak for themselves. They rely on their owners to speak for them. Brushing up on your understanding of responsible pet ownership, including Canada’s requirements for bringing a pet into the country, can help keep you, your family, your pet and your community safe.
Learn more about Canada’s requirements at inspection.gc.ca/pets. (NewsCanada.com)
