World Rabies Day is coming up on the 28th of September, and to do our part in spreading awareness, we’d like to focus on the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations and sharing what to look out for in the event of an infection.

Why Rabies Vaccinations Are Essential

The only real defence against Rabies is prevention. Vaccinating your dog is a simple process that is not just a legal obligation but a smart decision in ensuring your pet’s wellbeing.
Getting your dog vaccinated is usually requires a quick visit to your vet, making the decision a no-brainer to:

1. Protect your pet. A rabies vaccination protects your dog from the fatal disease. Keeping your pet vaccinated ensures they are not at risk, especially during encounters with wildlife when out on the mountain, for example.
2. Safeguard your community. By vaccinating your pet, you’re helping to protect other animals and people in your community.
3. Adhere to the law. Rabies vaccinations are a legal requirement in South Africa. Especially because Rabies affects livestock and other animals, not just pets.

Keeping Up with Booster Shots

Puppies should get vaccinated between 12 and 16 weeks, after that it’s important to stay up to date with booster shots because immunity can wane over time. Chat to your vet about your dog’s vaccination schedule and ensure they remain protected throughout their lifetime. Set those calendar reminders!

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms and, ultimately, death if left untreated. It’s transmitted through the bite of an infected animal (often wild animals like bats, raccoons, and recently, fur seals in South Africa), the virus develops around the bite wound before using the nervous system to progress to the brain. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, making prevention the key to keeping both our pets and ourselves safe.

Symptoms of Rabies: What to Watch For

Recognising the signs of rabies can be crucial, especially in situations where your dog has potentially been exposed to an infected animal. Here are some key symptoms to look out for in both animals and humans:

In Animals:

• Behaviour Changes: A normally friendly dog may become agitated, anxious, or aggressive.
• Hydrophobia: Difficulty swallowing and fear of water are classic symptoms.
• Excessive Salivation: Rabies can cause paralysis of the throat muscles, leading to drooling.
• Seizures: Neurological symptoms may present as seizures or other abnormal movements.
• Paralysis: In advanced stages, dogs may exhibit paralysis, often starting with the hind limbs.

In Humans:

• Flu-like Symptoms: Early symptoms may resemble the flu, including fever, headache, and fatigue.
• Confusion and Agitation: As the disease progresses, confusion and severe agitation can occur.
• Hydrophobia: Similar to animals, affected humans may also experience difficulty swallowing.

If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with a rabid animal or is displaying these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Rabies Day: A Global Effort

Rabies Day is observed annually to raise awareness about this preventable disease and to promote vaccinations. The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing global efforts to eradicate the disease with a focus on education and awareness, vaccinations, and responsible pet ownership. Around the world, organisations are implementing vaccination programs, educating communities, and providing resources for dog owners to ensure their pets are protected. We at Happy Hounds would like to do the same…

Vaccine Discount for Happy Hounds

As pet parents, we want the best for our companions, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. That’s why we’ve partnered with Tamboerskloof Family Vets, who go above and beyond to provide the compassionate, personalised care that our pets deserve.

Family Vets is offering a 30% discount on rabies vaccinations for the month of October - exclusive to our pack members! Use the code “FAMILYVETS30” to redeem your discount and ensure your fur-family members are up-to-date and protected.

We’d like to give a big, heartfelt thank you to Tamboerskloof Family Vets for their unwavering commitment to animal health and well-being in our community. We’re grateful to have their friendly team in our corner!

Please note, this discount applies to rabies vaccinations only, a separate consultation fee will apply if further advice or treatment is needed.

Find Tamboerskloof Family Vets here. 

How Happy Hounds Supports Dog Health

We’re committed to the health and wellness of dogs, it’s why our fresh food biz was started. We aim to foster a community of informed pet parents who prioritise the well-being of their furry companions. In addition to producing nutritious, fresh food for your dog, we love sharing info, tips and guides to make responsible pet ownership a little easier.

We encourage you to take advantage of Hillside Vet’s special offer and schedule your dog’s rabies vaccination today!