When you play with your beloved cat or dog at home, it seems unavoidable to get scratched or bitten by them sometimes. So first be calm, and follow the instructions below.
What to do with the wound:
If no bleeding only with some marks left, don’t worry, just clean it up with sanitized cotton cloth.
If bleeding happening, wash the wound with small-flow running cold water for 30 seconds, dry the wound and apply some alcohol solution or antiseptic lotion. Cover it with clean bandage.
How to determine if you need a rabies vaccine?
It should be clear that people could only be exposed to the rabies if they have been bitten or scratched by an infected cat or dog. There is no risk to a pet owner who has a vaccinated cat or dog at home. That is to say, vaccination is quite important and necessary for your pets.
In addition, rabies virus only exists in the animal saliva. You don’t have to worry too much if being scratched. Deal with the wound properly will be fine.
How to decide whether or not to get a rabies vaccine shot? Follow the Ten-Day Observation Method by WHO to eliminate the possibility of rabies.
Caution: due to the weaker immunity, children should be taken more care if being scratched or bitten. They are also vulnerable to other viruses except for rabies. Seek medical treatment immediately when any changes happening in the wound.
How to know if a cat or dog is rabid?
1. Prodromal Symptoms
Within the first 2-10 days, the rabid cat or dog appears to be sick and uncomfortable with no particular symptoms.
Some prodromal symptoms may include: muscle pain, restlessness, irritability, fear of cold, fever, physical discomfort, fear of bright light, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, incapability of swallow.
2. Furious Symptoms
If a cat or dog enters this stage, it becomes highly irritable, dangerously aggressive and behave abnormally. If you think your cat or dog has some furious symptoms, contact the animal center for help.
Some furious symptoms include: excessive drooling, foam at the mouth, fear of water, aggressive as if to bite, restlessness, anorexia, abnormal behavior such as biting itself.
3. Paralytic Symptoms
This is the most common symptom of rabies. An infected cat or dog looks weak, unconscious and uncomfortable. In this case, a cat or dog will not behave aggressively and can hardly bite.
Some paralytic symptoms contain: the muscles of limbs, facial and other parts of the body are paralysed, jaw dropping, excessive drooling, foam at the mouth, difficulty in swallow.
If your pet has any of the above symptoms, make sure to isolate it first. Contact the vet hospital and ask a veterinarian for help to deal with it.
In addition, wild animals such as raccoons, coyotes, bats, hedgehogs and etc. may also carry rabies virus. Pet parents must pay attention to prevent their pets from any wild animals.
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