Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is caused by the rabies virus (rhabdovirus), which is found in the saliva of infected animals. Rabies is transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of an infected animal, or through contact with the saliva of an infected animal on an open wound or mucous membrane.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, but it is 100% preventable with vaccination. Rabies vaccines are safe and effective, and they are required by law for most dogs and cats in the United States.

• Understanding Rabies
• Symptoms in Dogs
• Symptoms in Cats
• Importance of Vaccination
• Rabies Vaccine for Dogs
• Rabies Vaccine for Cats
• Is Rabies Vaccine required?

1. Understanding Rabies

Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. The virus, known as rhabdovirus, affects the central nervous system of infected animals or people. Rabid animals exhibit symptoms such as aggression, isolation, agitation, neurologic signs, incoordination, paralysis, and foaming at the mouth. The virus is primarily spread through bites, as it is present in the infected animal’s saliva. Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment for Rabies once an animal or person becomes infected. In humans, a series of Rabies shots can be administered to mitigate the spread of the infection, while in animals, euthanasia is the only option, followed by laboratory testing to confirm Rabies post-mortem.

While Rabies has been largely eliminated from urban areas, the virus still persists in wildlife populations that may occasionally come into contact with domestic animals. Animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, and coyotes can carry the Rabies virus and transmit it to pets.

2. Symptoms of Rabies in Dogs

In dogs, rabies typically progresses through three distinct stages: the prodromal, the furious, and the paralytic (dumb) stage. Initially, you may notice subtle personality changes—a normally friendly dog may become shy, or a calm dog may become restless. As the virus attacks the central nervous system, “furious” symptoms often emerge, characterized by extreme aggression, snapping at imaginary objects, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. In the final “dumb” stage, dogs experience difficulty swallowing and paralysis of the jaw and throat muscles, leading to the classic symptom of “foaming at the mouth.” Unfortunately, once a dog begins to show these neurologic signs, the disease is rapidly fatal.

3. Symptoms of Rabies in Cats

Cats often exhibit more aggressive or “furious” symptoms than dogs when infected. An infected cat may show sudden erratic behavior, such as pouncing on objects, hiding in dark corners, or attacking other animals and humans without provocation. Physical symptoms include a loss of muscle coordination, tremors, and a distinct change in their meow due to laryngeal paralysis. A noted feature in cats is widely dilated pupils throughout all stages of the disease. As the virus progresses, cats may struggle to eat or drink (hydrophobia) and eventually succumb to paralysis. Because cats are skilled at hiding illness, these behavioral changes are often the first—and most critical—warning signs for owners to recognize.

4. Importance of Vaccination

Vaccinating our pets against Rabies is crucial to reduce the risk of infection if a bite occurs. Puppies and kittens typically receive their first Rabies vaccine at 12 weeks of age, which provides protection for one year. Depending on state regulations and vaccination laws, Rabies vaccination may be mandatory for all domestic animals, with non-compliance resulting in quarantine protocols.

5. Rabies Vaccination for Dogs

In dogs, Rabies vaccination can be administered every 1 to 3 years. Regular vaccination is required for veterinary visits, grooming sessions, and boarding facilities. Most often, dogs receive a killed virus adjuvanted vaccine, where the virus is rendered inactive, and an adjuvant is added to enhance the immune response.

6. Rabies Vaccination for Cats

Similar to dogs, Rabies vaccination for cats can be administered every 1 or 3 years. It is also mandatory for veterinary visits, grooming, and boarding. Cats usually receive a recombinant non-adjuvanted vaccine, in which the genetic composition of the virus is altered to remove additional immune-stimulating substances.

7. Why is Rabies Vaccination Required?

Veterinary clinics, groomers, and boarding facilities enforce Rabies vaccination requirements for a significant reason. Any animal, regardless of its size or temperament, has the potential to bite under certain circumstances. If an unvaccinated pet bites a human, the pet will need to be quarantined for 10 days and cannot be vaccinated against rabies within that time frame, while the bitten individual will undergo a series of four Rabies vaccines within a 14-day period at a hospital. Rabies poses a real threat to both animals and humans, making Rabies vaccination crucial for our pets. By adhering to vaccination schedules, we can protect our beloved companions from this deadly disease and prevent unnecessary complications in case of bites or potential exposure. Stay responsible and ensure your pet’s Rabies vaccination is up to date, providing them with the best possible protection against this dangerous virus.

For more information about Rabies, visit:
Rabies Aware 
CDC.gov

References:
McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians
cdc.gov
rabiesaware.org
AVMA Journals (Epidemiology of Rabies in Cats)
World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)

Disclaimer: This blog is meant to be used as a resource tool for pet owners, pet enthusiasts, and anyone who would like to understand a little bit more about how to better care for our pets. As with any information on the internet, please take it with a grain of salt, and always consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your furry friend.

Editor’s Note: The original version of this blog was published on June 16th, 2021.

The post What is Rabies? appeared first on The Life of Fido.

Being a veterinary technician is very rewarding. I love being able to help animals and their owners. My favorite part of the job is answering questions from pet owners who are genuinely interested in the well-being of their pets and how to make their lives better. I believe that pet owners should feel empowered to ask questions and learn more about their furry friends. After all, “you don’t know what you don’t know until you know.”

I have seen firsthand how education can benefit pet owners and their pets. When pet owners have a better understanding of their pet’s health and needs, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their care. This can lead to a healthier and happier life for both the pet and the owner.

That is why I have decided to start this blog. I want to help educate pet owners about the things they are curious about for their pets and offer resources and tools to help you care for your pet. From simple first checkups and vaccines to understanding when it is time to say goodbye, and everything in between. I hope that this information will help pet owners keep their furry babies healthier and happier.

Here are some examples of how I can help:

• Puppy care: such as puppy socialization and puppy training.
• Adult pet care: such as nutrition, preventive care, and common health problems.
• Senior pet care: such as age-related changes, hospice care, and euthanasia.
• Pet behavior: such as common behavior problems, training tips, and socialization.
• Pet nutrition: such as choosing the right food for your pet, and feeding guidelines.
• Pet health: such as common diseases and parasites, vaccination schedules, and first aid.

I am also happy to answer specific questions that pet owners may have. I believe that every pet is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to every question. But, in the end, the best advice will always come from your veterinarian, as they know best about the health history of your pet.

I am excited to embark on this journey with you and help you learn more about your furry friends. As we embark on this shared journey, I invite you to engage with me, ask questions, and share your experiences. Together, we can create a healthier and happier world for all pets.

See you next time! Until then Stay Pawsitively Purrfect!!!

Disclaimer: This blog is meant to be used as a resource tool for pet owners, pet enthusiasts, and anyone who would like to understand a little bit more about how to better care for our pets. As with any information on the internet, please take it with a grain of salt, and always consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your furry friend.

Editor’s Note: The original version of this blog was published on June 3rd, 2021.

The post What is this blog about? appeared first on The Life of Fido.

The reason one should groom his/her Dog is simple – your dog’s physical state influences the way he feels and the way you look at your dog. Extreme cases, where lack of proper care, cleaning and grooming can directly affect the behavior of your Dog, are not rare.

Proper grooming not only infuses a healthy glow to your dog’s appearance, but also helps develop his self-esteem; while it makes you a very proud parent, when you show off your Dog to others.

The first step involved in dog grooming is: Brushing!

Brushing has been universally acknowledged by expert dog groomers as the single most important step in grooming.

The benefits of brushing are many. To name a few:

• Better blood circulation
• Shinier and healthier coat
• Better bonding

Subscribe to this FREE dog grooming mini course and learn more about brushing and combing and other grooming tools and their applications.

Even if you know how crucial brushing is for your Dog’s health and well-being, we all know that there is a right way and a wrong way of doing anything. And without doubt, you would like to do everything the RIGHT way when it comes to your Dog.

Yes, there’s a method to follow while brushing your Dog.

Here are FIVE steps to successfully brushing your Dog that will prove to be extremely useful:

• Brush against the growth of the hair first with a slicker brush and then with a medium or wide-toothed comb.
  
  
• The slicker brush removes all the loose hair and the comb takes care of the tangles.
  
  
• Brush your Dog along the hair growth and make sure you reach the skin as you brush his way.
  
  
• Then use a flea comb over the coat to get the fleas and remove any remaining tangles. Part the coat and start from the root and then comb through.
  
  
• If your Dog’s paw pads are hairy, then clip them using electric clippers. Do not clip the hair in between the pads. Clip only the excess hair.

Brush your Dog’s hairs to prevent it from matting. Matting can be a very painful experience.

Regular brushing untangles the matted hairs on your Dog’s coat. Since this is a risky job to do, the best way out is to prevent them from forming in the first place. And doing this is simple: just brush and comb your Dog regularly. If and when you see any mats or tangles, use a detangle solution and a medium-toothed comb.

Don’t wait until your Dog is dirty or matted to introduce him to grooming. That would make him associate the experience with unpleasantness. Moreover, many dogs learn to see their routine brushing as an alternate form of petting, i.e. another source of affection and attention.

Subscribe to this FREE dog grooming mini course and start Grooming your Dog all by yourself right from the comfort of your home Today.

Copyright (c) 2018 TrainPetDog.com

Disclaimer: This blog is meant to be used as a resource tool for pet owners, pet enthusiasts, and anyone who would like to understand a little bit more about how to better care for our pets. As with any information on the internet, please take it with a grain of salt, and always consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your furry friend.

The post How Well Is Your Dog Groomed? appeared first on The Life of Fido.

House Training a puppy or adult Dog is such an essential issue for its owner that even a single exclusive tip turns out to be extremely helpful.

The first step in making your Dog fit for polite company would be to potty train him. Some see this training as a hassle and some as a challenge.

For me, it is part of bringing up a pet.

Click here to subscribe to a FREE course on housetraining puppies and dogs.

There are a few things you need to know before you actually start potty training a puppy or adult Dog. I enumerate these below:

• You need to understand your dog’s body language. Watch for signs that will indicate to you when your pet wants to eliminate.
• If you own puppies, remember that they need to go potty at fairly frequent intervals – as soon as they wake up, after short naps, after play-time, after meals, before and after being crated and finally, before retiring for the night.
• Take your Dog for walks at the time that he usually does his potty. Take him out to the yard and then to the same place there every time he needs to answer nature’s call.
• Praise your Dog after he eliminates at the right place. Some Dog owners even give treats to their dogs. But remember to do this every time he does it right. He will relate the rewards to his having “done it right” and zero in on the spot where you want him to defecate regularly.
• With time, you can try signal training. This is so that you know when your doggie wants to go. You can hang a bell at his level near the door and teach him to push it with his nose or pat it with his paw on his way out.
• Until your Dog has been fully potty trained keep him under strict vigilance. Do not let him roam around the house freely.
• Use a crate. A crate-trained Dog is usually very happy to get his own den. The advantage of crating is that dogs do not soil the place where they sleep. So, he will naturally not eliminate inside the crate.
• If you have a small dog and if you live in a high-rise building or in a place that does not have a proper backyard, you can try litter pan training. What you do is create a space for your pet to eliminate in your house itself.
• Use positive reinforcements while housebreaking puppies or adult dogs. Do not scold or hit him as you will gain nothing by doing that. He will only associate punishment with your return from outside. If you catch him in the act, a stern ‘NO’ or ‘FREEZE’ will do. It will startle the Dog enough for him to stop pooping.
• Be prepared to return to a soiled home if you are keeping your Dog home alone for more than 4 hours as separation anxiety is quite common among home – alone dogs.
• Accidents will happen. It is unusual for a trained adult Dog to work against its house training. But medical problems or health disorders may lead to sudden accidents.
• Many dogs mark their territory. These can be a leg of a table or a particular wall. Intact male and female dogs mark their territories by urinating. Use deodorizers to spray on the places where your Dog has marked.
• If you are patient and are ready to accept that house training a dog takes time, even months sometimes, you will end up having a good housetrained Dog.

Click here to subscribe to a FREE course on house training puppies and dogs.

Now we will move on to how to potty train puppies and adult dogs.

Potty Training A Puppy:

Irrespective of breeds, housetraining a puppy is considered to be one of the biggest challenges by dog owners. If you think housetraining your puppy simply involves a steady supply of old newspapers, then think again.

A puppy does not develop full control over his bladder until it is over 4 or 5 months old. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this time, puppies eat more, burn more calories and need to eliminate more frequently than an adult Dog.

After each nap, meal, drink or play, take your puppy to his designated area (indoors or outdoors, wherever you have decided) and stay there until it eliminates. Then bring him to his crate.

Repeat this situation everyday until he has developed a habit out of it.

Click here to subscribe to a FREE course on housebreaking a puppy.

Potty Training An Adult Dog:

The best way to housetrain an adult Dog is to begin all over again.

Observe him very closely. Maybe even maintain a diary of where he goes and when. Whether he is pooping when you are home or only when you are outside; whether you can time yourself to be home when he feels the need to go outside.

You can try dog crates, but be careful to introduce him gradually to them.

Click here to subscribe to a FREE course on potty training a dog.

Remember, commitment, consistency and intelligent use of positive reinforcement will make you the owner of a perfectly housetrained Dog. Don’t expect miracles. You will only be disappointed.

Get this FREE course on potty training a dog.

Get this unique Housetraining guide and start Housebreaking Your Dog Today.

Copyright (c) 2018 TrainPetDog.com

Disclaimer: This blog is meant to be used as a resource tool for pet owners, pet enthusiasts, and anyone who would like to understand a little bit more about how to better care for our pets. As with any information on the internet, please take it with a grain of salt, and always consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your furry friend.

The post Is Your Dog Potty Trained Enough? appeared first on The Life of Fido.

Why Won’t My Dog Listen To Me?

This is a common question that most first-time Dog owners ask me. Before I answer your question, let me ask you a few instead:

• Do you use cookies, collars, head halters or clickers to make your Dog listen to your commands?
• Do you have to raise your voice every time you want your Dog to listen to you?
• Does your Dog always come or sit on command – anytime and anywhere you want him to?

If your answers are mostly in the negative, its time you seriously reconsider your role as a sincere Dog trainer and an ideal pet parent.

Learn how to bond with your Dog with this free mini course.

Get Your Dog To Listen To You

Before you begin any training, you must first establish yourself as the “ALPHA dog” of your family. Your Dog must know that you’re the leader of the pack and it is YOU who is in charge.

Here is a list of simple DO’s and DONT’s that you must follow if you want to be the Alpha:

• Always go out or come in through the door first – remember you are the leader;
• Always eat first – give your Dog something to eat only after you’ve finished your meal;
• Don’t circle around your Dog when he is lying on the floor – make your Dog move out of your way instead;
• Don’t let your Dog set the rules – pay attention to him when you think fit and not whenever he demands;
• Don’t permit your Dog to sleep with you in your bed – demarcate his sleeping area clearly.

Once you successfully established yourself as the Alpha, training your Dog and making him listen will be a lot easier than you can imagine. Remember, if your Dog does not learn to “listen”, all your training efforts will be in vain!

Does your Dog know his name? Does your Dog look at you whenever you call him by his name? This is the first and the most critical step involved in Dog Training. If your Dog doesn’t respond to his name, you cannot have his attention for teaching him any other commands.

To make sure that your Dog recognizes his name, take a treat in your hand and hold it away from your body. Call your Dog’s name. He is most likely to look at the treat in your hand. Continue calling his name untill he turns and looks at your eyes. Give him the treat immediately. Repeat this exercise by holding the treat in the other hand. Once you’re sure that your Dog has learnt to recognize his name, just call his name and reward him for looking at you by petting or with a hug.

You must understand that Dogs respond far better to positive reinforcement than they do to coercion or force.

Learn how to train your Dog better with this free mini course.

Copyright (c) 2018 TrainPetDog.com

Disclaimer: This blog is meant to be used as a resource tool for pet owners, pet enthusiasts, and anyone who would like to understand a little bit more about how to better care for our pets. As with any information on the internet, please take it with a grain of salt, and always consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your furry friend.

The post Training Your Dog to Listen to You appeared first on The Life of Fido.

It’s essential for Dog parents like you to know certain basic factors that determine your relationship with your Dog and can go a long way in training him effectively.

Before you begin training your Dog, it is absolutely essential that you build a loving bond with him. This is important as it helps you to understand his needs and instincts and also allows your Dog to have complete trust in you.

Know more about Dog care from this free mini course

Let us see how…….

How To Bond With Your Dog

Building a bond with your Dog is the first and the most crucial step involved in training him successfully. As soon as you bring your Dog home, you must first try to develop a caring and loving relationship with him in order to win his trust and confidence.

When Dogs are secure in the knowledge that they belong to the family, they are more likely to respond better to their owners’ training commands. Just like with any relationship, there must be mutual trust and respect between you and your Dog.

Trust takes time to develop and respect comes from defining boundaries and treating any breach of those boundaries with firmness and fairness.

Without enforceable limitations, respect can’t be developed. And when there is no respect, building a bond with your Dog is almost impossible.

4 Golden Rules To Building A Relationship With Your Dog :

• Spend quality time together;
• Take him out in the world and experience life together;
• Establish and promote a level of mutual respect; and
• Develop a way of communicating to understand each other’s needs.

Building a bond with your Dog will not only help you manage him better but will also make your Dog calm, quiet and an extremely well-adjusted pet.

Love Your Dog and He Will Love You back

Once you’re succesful in building a bond with your Dog, you can rest assured that training him and teaching him new and clever tricks will be a cakewalk.

Learn how to bond with your Dog with this free mini course.

How Your Dog Learns…

Your Dog’s learning period can be divided into five phases:

The Teaching Phase – This is the phase where you must physically demonstrate to your Dog exactly what you want him to do.

The Practicing Phase – Practice makes Perfect. Once a lesson is learnt, practice with your Dog what you have just taught him.

The Generalizing Phase – Here you must continue practicing with your Dog in different locations and in an environment with a few distractions. You can take your Dog out for a walk, or to a nearby park and command him to practice whatever you’ve taught him.

Practicing the learned lessons in multiple locations and in the presence of small distractions will help him learn and retain lessons better .

The Testing Phase – Once you’re sure that your Dog has achieved almost 90% success….he responds correctly almost every time you give a command, you must start testing his accuracy in newer locations with a lot of distractions.

Example: Take him to the local shopping mall and ask him to obey your command. He may not come up with the correct response the very first time you do this, but you must not lose hope.

The idea is to test your Dog to see how he responds in an environment which is new to him. Set-up a situation where you are in control of the environment and your Dog.

There are only 2 possibilities:

• Your Dog succeeds!!! (Trumpets please!)
• In case your Dog fails, re-examine the situation. Review and/or change your training. Then try testing again.

Keep on testing until he succeeds. Follow the rule of the 3 Ps – patience, persistence, praise.

Internalizing Phase – Finally, comes the extremely rewarding phase where your Dog does everything he is taught to do even without your commands.

Remember:

• Never scold your Dog if he fails. It’s not his fault. You have failed as a trainer!
• You must be patient and persistent for your efforts to show rewards.
• Appreciate and love your Dog when he does it right! A little encouragement will work wonders for your Dog.
• Dog Training is easy when you do it right.

Learn how to train your Dog better with this free mini course.

Copyright (c) 2018 TrainPetDog.com

Disclaimer: This blog is meant to be used as a resource tool for pet owners, pet enthusiasts, and anyone who would like to understand a little bit more about how to better care for our pets. As with any information on the internet, please take it with a grain of salt, and always consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your furry friend.

The post Basics of Dog Training appeared first on The Life of Fido.