Winter Wonderland

When the temperatures dip below freezing, it's time to get most pets inside. 
One exception is dogs that are bred for colder climates, such as Huskies and Malamutes.  These breeds seem to love the cold and may stay outdoors for longer periods of time if they have adequate shelter, such as an insulated dog house, access to fresh, unfrozen water, and are given adequate amounts of food.  Pets that spend a lot of time outside in the cold may need more calories, so be prepared to increase their daily food allowance.
 

"Ginger"

Photo courtesy of Shane Meyer

First Case of Rabies in a Massachusetts Resident Since 1935

A Cape Cod man contracted rabies at the end of 2011, most likely from a rabid bat.  This marks the first case of rabies in a human in Massachusetts since 1935. 

Most rabid animals show symptoms of rabies, such as aggression, foaming at the mouth, or paralysis.  Bats are unique in that they can infect other animals (including people) with the rabies virus without appearing sick.  Rabies is most often spread through bite wounds.   

Bats found indoors in a room where a person was sleeping or in a room with a child or mentally incapacitated person, should be captured and sent to the State Diagnostic Lab for testing.  This can be arranged through your town's Animal Control Officer, Animal Inspector or through your veterinarian.  A physician should be consulted immediately if the bat is unavailable for testing. 

Rabies in people can be prevented with post-exposure immunization.  Any person who gets bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal or an animal that is unavailable for a ten day quarantine should contact their primary care physician for instructions.

Pet owners can do their part to limit the spread of rabies by keeping dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies.