Dog Fights with Skunk and is Euthaized Due to Rabies Concern

by Dr. Chris

March 13, 2011 Dog fights with skunks are nothing new. But after reading about a dog in North Carolina this week that was euthanized after having contact with a skunk, it is a reminder that your dogs MUST be vaccinated for rabies.

Rabies is a virus that causes an inflammation of the brain in mammals. It is transmitted most commonly when a dog fights with a skunk or other infected animal like a bat, raccoon, or fox.

Rabies is a fatal disease in dogs and humans. For humans post-exposure prophylaxis is available, but it has to be administered soon after exposure.

Although most governments require that dogs be vaccinated for rabies, some people estimate that up to half of all dogs are not.

***Unvaccinated dogs that are exposed to rabid skunks will be euthanized by public health officials. That is why you have to keep your dog vaccinated and keep a record of it.***

Dogs that fight with skunks but are vaccinated are often quarantined, or closely observed for several months to be sure they are not infected.

Many counties offer free or low cost (about $5) rabies clinics to help make sure your dog is protected. As an added precaution to keep your dog from fighting with skunks or other wild animals keep them in a fenced yard or within eye sight at all times.

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