MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
As spring approaches, the likelihood of people -- and their pets -- coming into contact with rabid animals increases, according to Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Craig Shultz.
State law requires that all household cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies year round and owners who fail to comply can be charged a $300 fine.
Dr. Rob Heidecker, veterinarian at Good Hope Animal Hospital in Mechanicsburg, agrees with the requirement.
"We highly recommend that all of our pet owners have their cats and dogs vaccinated for rabies. The vaccine is very highly effective and very safe," he said
Rabies is a virus that is carried primarily in the saliva of raccoons, bats and skunks. Humans and pets alike are exposed when an infected animal breaks their skin through as scratch or, primarily, a bite.
Shultz said the key indications that an animal is infected with rabies is abnormal behavior, which can include nocturnal animals coming out during the day.
"Our advice always is, if you see skunk [or] a raccoon out in daylight that you should have concern that that animal is potentially rabid," he said.
Additional symptoms include salivation, circling and other unusual neurological signs.
But Heidecker said to be aware of any unusual behavior in your pet.
"It can be very subtle, when they just withdraw, act oddly. So, when in doubt, have your pet checked out by your veterinarian," he said.
Heidecker also recommends covering your trash to keep wild animals away from your home as well as spaying and neutering your cats and dogs so they are less likely to roam to try to find a mate.
Staff at benny's Pet Depot in Mechanicsburg said they want to do their part to help prevent rabies in our area.
Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. benny's Pet Depot at 5202 Simpson Ferry Road will hold a low-cost vaccine clinic. Basic vaccines are $10 each and will be given on a first-come, first served basis.
Manager Laura Wilton, a pet owner herself, said they are just trying to do their part to keep pets healthy.
"We know that when the economy is not as strong as we'd like, people kind of put their pets on a back burner. They take care of their family, they make sure their kids are fed and [for] their pets, they hope for the best."
