The water crisis in California has led to agricultural and economic problems, but now the side effect of the drought has emerged in the form of increase in the risk of rabies.

Record-breaking water crisis in California has led to agricultural and economic problems but another side effect of drought is that it has increased the risk of rabies.

As per health officials, now as summer approaches, more wild animals will be looking for water, which brings them closer to residential areas.

Dr. Julia Wang-Lewis, veterinarian at Humane Society, said, "Getting your pet vaccinated is the only way to protect them and the entire community against rabies, which is 100 percent fatal in animals and usually fatal in people if not treated right away".

Veterinarian said that rabies can be spread and transmitted via saliva from animal bites. Pets, after contracting the disease, can even spread the disease to other humans and animals they interact with.

County health officials stressed on the point that the disease is 100 % preventable, and urged public to take responsibility for their pets, their families, and themselves by getting their pets vaccinated for rabies.

Humane Society of Missouri urges pet owners to take caution as temperatures rise. Summer temperatures can be deadly for pets, especially those left unattended in parked cars, they said.

It has been told that on a 70 degree day, internal car temperatures can skyrocket to more than 100 degrees in just minutes, which can cause heat exhaustion and death for pets left inside these vehicles.

Experts recommended some safety tips pet owners need to follow:

"Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is near or above 70 degrees.

"Act immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car.

"Immediately apply cold water to your pet's extremities if they are showing signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, vomiting, lethargic behavior), and see your veterinarian promptly.