Hesitancy around vaccines has spilled over to pet owners in recent years, sparking concern about the resurgence of rabies, a virus that’s nearly always fatal.

Some pet owners argue against vaccinating dogs – over concerns that vaccines shorten the canines’ lifespans or beliefs that vaccines can cause autism in dogs. But autism’s spectrum of symptoms is uniquely human and experts say anti-vaxxing campaigns among dog owners are especially dangerous considering the public health consequences of rabies.

“While, thankfully, we don’t see a lot of rabies, the consequence is disastrous,” Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, told USA TODAY. “It’s essentially 100% fatal. So having a rabies vaccine for your cat and dog is really, really important on many levels.”

  • SteefLem@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    Rabies scares the shit out of me. Ive seen some youtube videos and that shit is no fun i see why zombies are based on this disease. My pets get the vaccine every 2 years (how long they last).

    Wife said every 3 years :)

    • AA5B@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      It depends on whether you’re establishing immunity or maintaining it, and probably differed in where you live.

      Like every other medical action, I hire an expert, listen to their recommendations, ask enough to understand them, and generally follow through