Rabies and Staying Informed with a Veterinarian Near You in Costa Mesa, CA
Rabies isn’t just a word we hear in old stories or horror movies—it’s a real threat to pets and people alike. At Costa Mesa Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Costa Mesa, CA, we believe awareness is the first step to prevention. This viral disease, though rare in vaccinated pets, can still be deadly if left unchecked. Our goal is to make sure you’re informed, prepared, and confident when it comes to protecting your pets.
How Rabies Spreads
Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually via:
• Bites from wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes
• Open wounds or scratches that come in contact with infected saliva
Once the virus enters the body, it travels along the nerves toward the brain. This slow movement gives the disease its incubation period—sometimes days, sometimes months—before symptoms appear.
Signs of Rabies in Animals
Rabies has two phases: behavioral changes and neurological decline. Look for:
• Sudden aggression or unusual fearfulness
• Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing
• Staggering or uncoordinated movement
• Paralysis or seizures
Some animals grow restless and hyper-alert, like a storm rolling in too fast. Others grow withdrawn and sleepy, slipping into silence before worsening. Once symptoms begin, the outcome is almost always fatal.
Protecting Your Pet
The best protection against rabies is simple: vaccination. Here’s what we recommend:
• Start puppies and kittens on a rabies vaccine at around 12-16 weeks of age
• Follow up with a booster after one year
• Maintain protection with regular 1-year or 3-year boosters, depending on the vaccine used
What to Do After a Bite
If your pet is bitten by another animal or has a run-in with wildlife:
1. Avoid touching the wound with bare hands
2. Contact Costa Mesa Animal Hospital immediately
3. Preserve any information about the attacking animal for animal control
4. Follow veterinary recommendations for quarantine, treatment, or booster vaccination
Quick action can make all the difference.
Get Veterinary Care, Pet Vaccinations, and Animal Hospital Services from a Vet Near You
Rabies is 100% preventable—and 100% deadly if ignored. At Costa Mesa Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Costa Mesa, CA, we’re here to help you stay ahead of it. With the right vaccinations, cautious supervision, and fast responses to exposure, your pets can live safely and confidently. Call us at (949) 548-3794 for veterinary care, pet vaccinations, and animal hospital services from a vet near you.