For anyone that cares for a dog, cat, or ferret in the state of North Carolina, it is your legal and social duty to ensure your beloved pet is vaccinated against rabies. Rabies is an extremely deadly viral disease transmitted to humans and other animals when bitten by a rabid wild animal and almost always progresses to coma or death within 10 days after the first symptom. In North Carolina the major wildlife carriers of rabies tend to be raccoons and bats, but skunks, foxes, groundhogs, coyotes, wolves, and beavers have all been known to carry the disease.

All dogs, cats, and ferrets in North Carolina are required to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age per N.C. General Statute 130A-185 and should be re-immunized within 12 months after the initial vaccination, even if an approved 3-year vaccine was used, and thereafter vaccinated every 1 or 3 years, depending on the animal species and vaccine used. It is vital that all rabies certificates are saved as they are your only proof of vaccination in the event of a potential rabies exposure.

If your dog, cat, or ferret is ever bitten by a wild animal, you must bring your pet to a veterinarian within 96 hours to be vaccinated, even if they are current. Animal control will be contacted and it will be up to the officer and the county health department to determine if a quarantine will be needed. This is for the safety of your pet, you, and the public. If you cannot provide proof of vaccination or have never vaccinated you pet, you will be forced to decide between euthanasia or a costly 4-6 month quarantine at an approved veterinary facility or animal shelter as per North Carolina law.

Grooming Tip of the Week

Furminator! Furminator! Furminator! If your dog is shedding like crazy then you need this amazing deshedding treatment. The process begins by using the Furminator brand of shampoo and conditioner, which removes a ton of loose hair. This is followed by a combination of brushing and blowing techniques, that include using the Furminator tool, to remove as much of the undercoat as possible. This process lasts up to 4-6 weeks and removes up to 90% of the loose hair that causes shedding.