Protect your pets

Millions of family pets are at risk from killer diseases because they are missing out on simple vaccinations.

Preventable diseases such as parvovirus, leptospirosis and feline leukemia can cause deaths. Diseases prevalent in wild animal populations, such as myxomatosis in rabbits, can also spread to their domestic counterparts.

The latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report found that six million dogs, cats and rabbits are unvaccinated, leaving them unprotected against dangerous illnesses.

PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan explains: “Vets continue to see cases of preventable illnesses like parvovirus. It’s vital for pets to receive protection against these potentially deadly diseases.

“Vaccinations work by introducing harmless versions of each disease into the body, allowing the immune system to recognise the disease and work out how to fight it.”

The report also found decreasing numbers of animals receiving a primary vaccination course when young, which is a great concern for the health and welfare of the nation’s pets.

Dogs are usually vaccinated at eight weeks old, cats at nine weeks and rabbits from around five weeks of age. This is called their ‘primary vaccination course’. They will usually need two injections a few weeks apart before they’re fully protected.

Pets also need regular booster injections throughout their life to maintain protection.