Can a Dog Survive a Bite From a Rabid Raccoon?

Posted on April 29, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Rabies is a very dangerous, and most often lethal, to mammals who contract the virus. The animals that are common carriers of the disease are raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks. When it comes to domesticated dogs, the most vulnerable to contracting the virus are the ones that have not been properly vaccinated for it. Rabies vaccines are vital and mandatory by law. All dogs should be vaccinated for the virus after three months of age. Non-vaccinated pets, especially those that are permitted to roam free through the yard, are the most at-risk for contracting the virus.

Continue reading to learn some information about what to do if your dog is bitten by a rabid animal, and how likely they are to survive the attack.

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Vaccinated Dogs

If a dog has been properly vaccinated, meaning on a routine basis recommended by a licensed veterinarian, there is a better chance of survival if they are bit by a rabid raccoon. As soon as a pet owner is aware that their dog has been scratched or bitten by a rabid animal, they must immediately take it into an emergency pet hospital so that it can be administered a Rabies booster shot. From there, they must be isolated and kept under observation for any signs of the virus for 45 days.

Unfortunately, a Rabies vaccine is not a 100% full-proof against the virus. It is still possible for the dog to contract Rabies and show signs and symptoms 2 to 8 weeks after the attack, even if they are up-to-date with all their shots; but keep in mind this is very unlikely. The chances of a properly-vaccinated dog contracting Rabies is much less than for a pet without any previous vaccinations. For dogs with expired vaccinations, procedures are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Non-Vaccinated Dogs

It is a much sadder story for dogs that have not received routine Rabies vaccinations. If bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, an non-vaccinated dog must be euthanized. If the owner of the dog refuses to have their pet euthanized, the state law requires the dog to be quarantined and observed for 6 months, receiving a vaccination one month prior to being released.

However, if symptoms develop, there is no chance for survival and the pet must be put down. It general takes anywhere from one to eight weeks for symptoms to show. If the animal that bit the dog can be caught, and it ends up testing negative for Rabies, the bitten dog can be put in observation and then given a vaccine.

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What are Oral Rabies Vaccines?

Posted on March 18, 2015 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, as well as, their Wildlife Services department have been working together or many years to overcome the rabies epidemics plaguing our pets and animals in our nature’s wildlife. For this reason, over the past few decades many states have utilized oral rabies vaccines (ORV’s) in an attempt to control the spread of the rabies virus among their local wildlife. These oral vaccines come in a few different forms, which we will discuss further in this blog. Continue reading to answer your question about oral rabies vaccines, their effectiveness, and how they work.

Oral Rabies Vaccinations

The intention of oral rabies vaccinations is to provide a vaccine for local wildlife that is at risk of contracting or spreading the rabies virus. Many states have participated in this approach to vaccinating wild animals, and have seen positive results. These oral vaccinations come in a variety of forms and are generally distributed in bulk by dropping them from airplanes or manually placing them all about. They are left on the ground for wildlife to consume, like skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and more.

One of the most common forms or ORV’s are made into flavored pellets. These pellets are generally the size of a small ring box and brown in color. They are manufactured with many different scents or flavors, like fish or lard, to attract wild animals to eat them. On the pellets is a stamp from the local health department and a phone number for questions and concerns. Other ORV’s come in the form of a packet that looks similar to a white ketchup packet. These packets are covered in fishmeal that help attract raccoons and other animals to eat them.

Many states have adopted this form of vaccination because it has shown positive results. Places like San Antonio, Texas have used the “ketchup packet” ORV approach, while many other states like Main, New York, Virginia, New Hampshire, Tennessee, have used alternative ORV methods that work equally as well. All of these oral rabies vaccines have been tested several times over the decades on hundreds of animals, and has proven to be non-toxic to dogs, cats, and more. If a dog or cat consumes an ORV, they will be just fine. If they consume many, they may have an upset stomach and need a trip to a veterinarian.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Indiana

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Common Raccoon Diseases That Threaten the Lives of our Dogs

Posted on December 27, 2012 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

There are many animals out in the wild that are common threats to us and our families. There are snakes, spiders, coyotes, mountain lions, and more, depending on what region you live near. One common threat that is hardly overlooked is the wild raccoon. Although we humans are aware to steer clear of these critters when spotted, our outdoor pets are not as keen. Our domesticated dogs, in particular, are at risk to raccoon illness and disease. Continue reading to learn the two most common diseases carried by raccoons and passed onto dogs; and how to care and prevent these scenarios in the future.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a very familiar term heard often around veterinary offices. There are vaccinations available and recommended at the beginning of each new puppy’s life to protect them from this illness. The vaccination does not last forever, so it is always strangely suggested to return for a follow up visit. Canine distemper is a virus that can affect any wild animal; not just dogs. The virus is transferred and caught through bodily fluid exchanges, such as sneezing, urine, and saliva. It threatens the lives of our outdoor dogs because it can be easily contracted by a curious canine. An infected dog will appear have the same symptoms as a very severe flu or cold. Unfortunately, there is no real cure for Canine Distemper, which is why prevention is so crucial. The vet can only make the process more comfortable for the dog, once it is diagnosed.

Rabies

Another common illness contracted by canines is rabies. As with canine distemper, there is no cure for rabies, and also, no way to diagnose it. The only way to determine that a dog has rabies is after death. A sample of the brain tissue can be examined to determine the cause of death. A professional vet can observe a dog’s symptoms and decide if they are exhibiting the symptoms of rabies. At that time, the dog will be quarantined and put to sleep. Be sure to have your pets vaccinated for canine distemper and rabies, especially if you live in a wooded area or have outdoor pets.

If you are experiencing high raccoon infestation near or on your Louisville, KY property, call our professional wildlife removal specialists to get rid of your raccoon threat. We are qualified and highly trained raccoon removal technicians with over 20 years of experience in the industry. We use safe and humane methods to get rid of raccoons. Visit our website at http://raccoonremovallouisvilleky.com/, or call us at 502-553-7622 and learn more about our raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY.