Did you know that only 58% of dogs and 28% of cats were vaccinated in the UK in the last 12 months?
We want to protect more dogs, cats and rabbits so we need to work together to spread the word on the importance of vaccines throughout the lifetime of that pet. Unvaccinated dogs and cats are at risk, with many diseases being fatal, and some even affecting humans. Whether they’re young or old, vaccinating them every year is the best way to protect them for preventable diseases.
Our feline and canine companions could be exposed to serious, potentially deadly diseases every day. Below are just some of the diseases that vaccinations can provide protection against:
Infectious canine diseases:
- Contagious cough ‘Kennel Cough’. Most dogs catch this disease through daily activity at parks, shops, shared water bowls, day care and contact with other dogs. It is no longer a disease associated purely with kennelling your dog.
- Parvovirus is a common virus which is usually fatal without intensive hospital treatment.
- Leptospirosis is caught from direct or indirect contact with infected dog or rodent urine from water or soil. It can be rapidly fatal in dogs and humans.
Infectious feline diseases:
- Cat flu. Is caused by common and highly contagious viruses caught through everyday activity. It can be tricky to treat initially and affected cats are usually infected for life, with signs returning at times of stress.
- Panleukopaenia ‘enteritis’. This virus can survive in the environment for over a year. Sadly, less than 50% of cats survive even with intensive treatment.
If your dog, cat or rabbit is due, overdue or hasn’t had any vaccinations, please contact the practice on 01423 900449 so we can arrange an appointment. Our Pet Health Plan covers all routine vaccinations for cats, rabbits and dogs with the cost spread out over a 12 month period.
Thank you to MSD for the above information