Rabies is a virus that is spread through the saliva of animals. It affects an animal’s brain, which eventually leads to death. Humans exposed to a rabid animal will require treatment to avoid death. Therefore it is important to keep your beloved pets up to date on rabies vaccines.
You should report animal bites and scratches to Southwestern Public Health (SWPH). We protect people from rabies by investigating when someone has been bitten or scratched. We also provide the rabies vaccine to doctors.
Post exposure rabies treatment
The rabies treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. It is a series of needles that your doctor will give to you at their office over a period of time. Learn more about the rabies treatment from the Ministry of Health.
NOTE: SWPH does not cover the cost or supply the vaccine for people who have not been bitten or scratched by an animal.
Post exposure vaccine and RIG administration form for physicians
The post exposure vaccine and RIG administration form will help you track rabies vaccine administration.
Protect against rabies
- Vaccinate your pet against the rabies virus,
- Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date,
- Keep pets indoors at night,
- Touch base with your vet if you see any potential wounds on your pet from a fight with wild animals,
- Teach children to stay away from wild animals and strange dogs and cats,
- Always ask permission before trying to pet an animal,
- Supervise children around animals,
- Do not attempt to touch or feed wild animals,
- Do not touch sick animals,
- Do not approach animals behaving oddly or aggressively, and
- Be familiar with the signs of rabies in your pets and wild animals
Signs that an animal has rabies
- Unusual behaviour for your pet:
- Not eating, drinking, or are having trouble swallowing
- Signs of weakness like a drooping head, weak legs, or sagging jaw.
- Excessive drooling.
- Attacking objects, humans, or other animals.
- Chewing and biting their own limbs.
- Sudden mood changes (angry at a time then very quiet)
- Wild animals may:
- Lose their fear of humans
- Come out during the day when they are normally only seen at night
Rabies can be found in the saliva of an animal days before they show any signs or symptoms. However, all animals that have rabies will eventually show signs and die.
Learn more about rabies
- Rabies – Government of Ontario
- Rabies Prevention and Control Protocol, 2023 – Ontario Ministry of Health
- Rabies Response Program – Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)