Barkley Animal Clinic and Hospital


Rabies Vaccination


In Texas it's always Skunk Season, and skunks are one of the main carriers of Rabies virus. The Texas Department of Health annually reports numerous positive cases of rabid animals, usually with increasing counts each year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimation is that worldwide Rabies contributes annually to 50,000 human deaths, and literally millions of animal deaths -- wildlife and domesticated.

Human deaths related to infectious diseases, such as Rabies, have declined dramatically in the last 50 years, as a direct result of effective vaccination programs. In most cases, it is possible to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by vaccinating your pet. However, no vaccine is 100% effective, and vaccination is not permanent, requiring re-vaccination.

There are many types of vaccines available, and the Barkley Animal Clinic and Hospital has made a commitment to providing you and your pet with the highest level of professional pet health care services, including using the best vaccines available to ensure the greatest immunity possible. This method significantly reduces the incidence of injection site inflammation and allergic reactions, while offering your pet the most complete protection on the market.

Rabies is a serious disease which affects pets and humans. If your pet smells of skunk odors, it is possible your pet came into contact with a skunk. Prevention is still the best way to go for protecting your family from Rabies. Make sure all pets are vaccinated annually for Rabies, especially those that live outdoors, and in the country. Contact Dr. Barkley immediately if you think your pet has been exposed to Rabies.

Skunk Deodorizer
1 Qt. of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
1/4 cup Baking Soda (not baking powder)
1 Tsp. Liquid Dish Soap
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl, and pour onto pet, rubbing the solution completely into the fur, avoiding the eyes and nose/mouth areas. Rinse with lukewarm water (not hot!). Repeat if necessary. Discard unused portion. Do not bottle this solution -- this formula is essentially a chemical engine for producing oxygen, and if bottled it will explode due to all the gas (oxygen) being produced.

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