Understanding rabies
Puppies should receive their first combination vaccine between six and eight weeks of age.
‘RABIES’ is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of people all around the world. It remains one of the most dangerous viral diseases known to medicine, and can be transmitted between all mammal species, including between animals and humans.
Rabies is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal (mammal) or through an open wound, such as a deep scratch, and most rabies deaths in humans occur as a result of dog bites.
As rabies causes terrible suffering for infected animals and humans alike, and as it is a preventable disease, routine pre-exposure vaccination is essential.
Preventative vaccinations are a simple procedure, and when it comes to vaccinating puppies, pet owners should ideally follow a vaccination schedule similar to the schedule for infants.
Puppies should receive their first combination vaccine between six and eight weeks of age. This should be followed by a further combination vaccine a month later, and a third a month after that. The rabies vaccine should be administered simultaneously at any time from three months of age and then monthly following that. Thereafter, boosters of all vaccines should be administered annually or in accordance with the advice of a veterinarian.
This regimen will ensure that your pup develops and maintains a good antibody response to all of these devastating diseases, especially rabies.
Of course, vaccinating isn’t just about protecting your pet, it’s about protecting your family, and any other people and animals that your pet may come into contact with.
In case you missed it:
Pet owners must take precautions against rabies
Vaccinate your pets against rabies
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