4. Prevent rabies
Rabies is an unpleasant but preventable viral disease of mammals that is often transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal, most often wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks. The virus infects the central nervous system and possibly the brain.
Have your outdoor cat and dog vaccinated against rabies by your veterinarian. Rabies is a serious disease that can kill your pet and even you if you become infected and do not receive treatment. Symptoms of rabies include insomnia, confusion, anxiety, mild paralysis, restlessness, increased saliva, difficulty swallowing, and hallucinations. The rabies vaccine is given in four doses over a 14 day period and is given to your arm like a flu shot.
5. Keep wild animals in the wild
You might think they’re cute and cuddly, but wild animals shouldn’t be domesticated and adopted as pets. Wild animals like raccoons, wild rodents, foxes and birds can carry germs, parasites and viruses that can be harmful to you and your pets.
Do not encourage wild animals in your garden and avoid feeding them. If you find a young animal like a baby rabbit or a young bird, leave it alone. Chances are, her mother is nearby and just waiting for you to leave to take care of her baby.
Anja Sonnenberg
Anja Sonnenberg is an avid gardener and avid cook who enjoys creating healthy recipes the whole family will enjoy. When she’s not in the kitchen or digging in the dirt, she explores the great outdoors with her two children and her dog. She is dedicated to providing Activebeat readers with family-friendly information to keep the whole family healthy and active. She enjoys running, hiking, rollerblading and kickboxing.
