Rabies is a serious and often fatal disease that affects both humans and animals, but the good news is that it’s preventable.
Whether you’re a pet owner or planning to travel to areas with rabies risks, it’s important to understand the differences between rabies vaccinations for pets and humans.
A travel clinic and vet keep the community safe from rabies by offering rabies vaccines for humans and pets. In this blog, we’ll explain what rabies is, how vaccines work, and why it’s important to vaccinate both you and your pets.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system, causing brain inflammation and death if not treated. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. While it is most commonly associated with dogs, other animals, including bats, cats, and even wildlife like foxes and raccoons, can carry the virus.
Things you need to know about the rabies vaccine for dogs
The rabies vaccine for dogs is essential for protecting pets and preventing the spread of the virus to humans. Vaccinating dogs controls rabies outbreaks, which is why most countries, including the UK, require rabies vaccination for pets, especially when travelling abroad.
The rabies vaccine for dogs is usually administered in multiple doses. Puppies typically receive their first vaccination between 13 and 16 weeks, followed by a booster shot a year later. After this, dogs typically need a booster every 1 to 3 years, depending on local regulations.
It is important for pet owners to follow the anti rabies vaccine dose schedule, not only to protect their pet but also to comply with legal requirements for travelling or pet registration.
Why is the rabies vaccine for humans important?
The rabies vaccine is essential for those travelling to areas where rabies is common, as well as for people who work closely with animals, like veterinarians, animal handlers, and pet owners interacting with wildlife.
For travellers, it is recommended to receive the rabies vaccine by visiting a travel clinic before visiting areas where rabies is prevalent. The vaccine is administered in a series of jabs before exposure and may include post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if bitten by an infected animal.
Key differences between the rabies vaccine for pets and humans
The primary difference between the rabies vaccine for pets and humans lies in the type of vaccine and the administration schedule. While pets generally receive their vaccine at an early age and require boosters over their lifetime, humans need the vaccine primarily when travelling to high-risk areas or after an exposure to an infected animal.
Pet vaccinations are often covered by local animal regulations, while human vaccines are primarily for people exposed to risky environments or high-risk occupations.
When should you get a rabies vaccine for your pet or yourself?
For pets, the rabies vaccine is typically administered at 12 weeks, with regular boosters thereafter. If you’re planning to travel with your pet, it’s important to ensure their vaccination is up to date well in advance.
For humans, getting vaccinated before travelling to countries where rabies is common is highly recommended. Additionally, if you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal, you should seek immediate medical advice to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed.
Visit Anna Pharmacy for rabies vaccination
Rabies is a dangerous, preventable disease, and vaccination is essential for protecting both humans and pets.
At Anna Pharmacy, we are here to support you with rabies and its prevention, ensuring you stay safe and healthy while travelling.
Schedule an appointment with us and visit our travel clinic to learn more about how we can help you with rabies prevention.