We are thrilled to announce that we will be holding our first ever Rabies Clinic on November 10th from 10am-2pm at the Meaford Fire Hall (81 Stewart Street).
Our very own GTHS Animal Hospital Veterinarian, Dr. Anick Amaro, will be administering the vaccine to cats and dogs in attendance. Pre-registration is NOT required; visitors will be seen on a first come, first served basis. The fee of this service is $20, cash only.
Thank you to our partners, The Municipality of Meaford and The Grey Bruce Health Unit, for helping us make this happen.
Why should you get your pet vaccinated?
“Under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, Regulation 567, pet owners throughout Ontario are legally required to keep dogs, cats and ferrets over three months old vaccinated for rabies” (OMAFRA, 2019). Making sure your pet is vaccinated for Rabies will ensure that you, your pet and your family are all protected.
In addition to the legal requirements, rabies vaccinations protect your pets from the life-threatening virus. Once an animal shows symptoms, it will usually die in 7-10 days.
Even if your pets stay indoors, bats can easily get into your home and can infect your animals. Recently, 2 rabid bats have been found in Halton Region: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/bats-1.5240709
Symptoms of illness
The following describes symptoms attributed to possible Rabies exposure:
- Changes in behaviour
- Increased aggression
- Quiet and depressed
- Unusually “friendly”
- Incoordination (staggering, falling)
- Changes in vocalization (different bark or meow)
- Excessive salivation (drooling), or difficulty eating/drinking
- Hypersensitivity (excessive reactions to touch, noise or light)
- Paresis or paralysis (partial or complete inability to move part of the body)
If you suspect your pet may have rabies, contact your veterinarian immediately. (OMNRF, 2019)
References
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/ahw/rabies.htm#8
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (https://www.ontario.ca/page/rabies-pets)
