Whether it is a skunk, raccoon or some other creature from the wild, your sixth sense tells you that aggressive animals are most likely infected with diseases like rabies and can become violent if approached. But that’s just you. Your pets have no clue what danger is looming, so they frolic and stroll carefree around the place.
Human beings are less likely to be affected by rabid animals than their pets because we generally do not interact with these creatures. Domesticated animals, on the other hand, may not recognize the danger these disease ridden animals bear. The danger to humans becomes multiplied when their pets are infected by the wild animals because in most cases, this is how diseases, such as rabies, are transmitted to humans. Naturally, protecting your pet from exposure to rabies and other diseases means also protecting yourself.
Signs of Rabies in a Raccoon
The raccoon you’re dealing with is likely to have Rabies if it is;
- Aggressive or lethargic
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Unafraid of noises that would usually startle or scare raccoons away
- Disoriented or confused
- Having trouble walking or appears to be paralyzed
Your Pet’s First Line of Defense
When it comes to domesticated animals, vaccination is the first line of defense against numerous ailments, including rabies and other diseases that they can contract from wild animals.
Undoubtedly, the best thing you can do for your pet and other domesticated animals is to keep the environment free of rabid animals. Keeping your environment free of wild animals can be quite a complicated, time consuming and often dangerous task. For Raccoons, the expert animal control professionals at Skedaddle can relieve you of this burden.
Important tip: If you suspect that your pet has come in contact with a rabid animal such as a raccoon, take them to the vet immediately.
Rabid or Not Rabid? That is the Question
Since some rabid raccoons behave like healthy raccoons, it is important to call in the experts at the first sign of raccoon presence on residential property. Some of the behaviours that you will see in both healthy and rabid raccoons are:
- Foraging during the day (despite the fact that raccoons are nocturnal animals).
- Being friendly to humans (raccoons, by nature, startle easily).
Trained animal control experts are usually able to distinguish between the two and recommend the appropriate course of action. Whether you’ve seen enough signs to suspect a rabies infection or not, the safest option is to ensure that your property is free of all wild animals but of course signs of rabidity mean more urgent action must be taken .
The Ultimate Protection
Skedaddles professional services provide the ultimate protection for your pets and other domesticated animals. In addition to being trained in animal control techniques, our team is equipped to handle wild animals through specialized gear and tools which keeps the technicians safe and reduces the dangers of contracting rabies. Contact Skedaddle if you need help removing a rabid raccoon from your property.