Chance to take your pet dog along for a checkup

THE People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals is offering free “PetWise” MOTs for dogs across Dundee next month as part of its campaign to help every pet have a happy and healthy life.

A PDSA veterinary nurse will be on board one of the charity’s PetCheck vehicles, which travels across the UK every year providing free health checks and offering expert pet care advice.

The PetWise MOT assesses five key elements to keep hounds happy: diet, environment, companionship, behaviour and health.

A simple traffic light system gives each pet a score and a personalised action plan to help owners improve their pet’s wellbeing.

The charity will be doing a day each at Lochee Park, Baxter Park and Dawson Park between 11am and 6pm from June 13-15, and be at Kirkton Community Centre from 9am-4pm on June 16.

Additional services, including nail clipping and ear cleaning, are also available free of charge, although donations are welcome.

Microchipping, which is now mandatory for all dogs in the UK, is available at a small cost, and Cats Protection neutering vouchers will also be available.

PDSA vet nurse Emma McDonald said: “We know people love their pets and want the best for them, which is why we’re here to help. By offering free, friendly advice and support, we can help owners make small changes that often make big differences to the wellbeing of pets in Dundee.”

According to the PDSA, there was a 5% increase in the number dogs that were neutered — which has important health benefits, as well as preventing unwanted litters — after the charity’s first visit.

PDSA provides more than 2.7 million treatments to around 470,000 pets every year.

With the rest of the people taking part in Driven to Extremes. Behind the wheel of a 4x4 during the expedition.

Kirkton Community Centre.