A dog owner in Washington state learned the hard way just how important rabies vaccines are for pets. According to multiple sources, two dogs had to be euthanized after picking up dead bats who tested positive for the deadly disease.
The troubling encounter happened in Cowlitz County – it is the first reported case of rabies in the area in a decade. As reported by KOIN News, the owner of the two dogs found them each holding a dead bat in their mouth – officials stated that the dogs’ chances of contracting rabies would be “very high” as a result.
Rabies is a disease that must be taken seriously as it is nearly 100 percent fatal in humans if symptoms become present before treatment is sought. Pets are required by law to get the rabies vaccine.
Rabies is primarily transmitted through saliva and it can even infect someone (human or otherwise) through a scratch. Symptoms often become present between two and eight weeks after exposure. Click here to read more about rabies in dogs at Pets WebMD.
(Stock image of bat via Pixabay)
Related: Six dogs surrendered for euthanasia after encounter with rabid raccoon
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Can’t fix stupid and the dogs pay with their lives. This POS owner should NEVER be able to have any animals in the future!!!
I am very sorry about the horrible loss of these precious treasures…….. I know that both of you are in Heaven. Please look for MacKitty and join his wonderful snuggle buddies group and RIP amongst loving friends…….
OWNER STUPIDITY = INNOCENT DOG VICTIMS