Protect your pet Use National Pet Month as a reminder to make sure your animals are properly vaccinated
This year’s National Pet Month runs from 1st April to 6th May. The campaign aims to tell people about the benefits of having a pet and create awareness of how we should care for them. It also highlights the role and value of working companion animals, such as guide dogs.
There will be pet-themed events all over the country during the month, including open days, fundraising events, shows and fun competitions. Last year’s campaign raised around £12,000 for local charities. You can find out what’s happening near you at
www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk. A free pack for event organisers and lots of useful tips are also available from the website.
Of course, one of the main ways we can keep our furry friends healthy and happy is by getting them regularly vaccinated against infectious diseases.
For the first few weeks of their lives, puppies and kittens will be protected from infections by their mother’s milk, as long as she has been regularly vaccinated. However, after this time they will need regular vaccinations.
Puppies are normally vaccinated at eight and 10 weeks, and kittens at nine and 12 weeks, with an initial course of two injections. They will then need to be given a booster 12 months after their first vaccination, and regularly throughout their lives. Older pets may need additional vaccinations as their immunity can decline.
Here are the main diseases that pets are routinely vaccinated against: Dogs – canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus, leptospirosis and infectious canine hepatitis. Dogs may need a kennel cough vaccine if they will be spending some time in kennels. This protects against parainfluenza virus and bordetella bronchiseptica. If you are taking your dog abroad, they may also need
50 to be vaccinated against rabies.
Cats – feline infectious enteritis, feline herpes virus, feline calicivirus and feline leukaemia virus (if they are at risk).
Rabbits – myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD).
Many of these diseases are now thankfully very rare, but if an animal does catch one, they can be difficult and expensive to cure, or even fatal. Some can also be transmitted to humans.
Your vet will give you a card to record when vaccinations are given. They should also remind you when boosters are due.
Going to the vet on a regular basis, also means that they can keep an eye on your pet’s general health and spot any potential problems early on. Remember – prevention is better than cure!
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
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