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National Vaccination Month

Is the credit crunch putting your pet’s life at risk?

According to a recent YouGov survey, 19 per cent of pet owners nationwide admit they have cut back on veterinary expenses such as vaccinations, health checks and treatments. Of those polled, 53 per cent of people not vaccinating their pets said this was due to costs.

Over a quarter of vets in a recent survey of the profession reported worries over falling levels of vaccination during the credit crunch. The diseases vaccines protect our pets against are still present in the UK, a fact many pet owners are unaware of. If vaccination levels in the pet population fall, then “disease hot spots”  are likely to spread throughout areas of the country where animals have not been inoculated.

To help save lives, and limit the spread of these serious diseases, Toft Lodge is one of 2000 veterinary practices across the UK  taking part in the National Vaccination Campaign this month.  Throughout June we have cut the price of vaccinations for all dogs, cats and rabbits whose vaccinations have lapsed, offering a full vaccination course including health check, for the price of a booster.

Our standard vaccines protect against various diseases, all of which are usually serious and often fatal . Dogs are routinely covered against
Parvovirus
Distemper
Hepatitis
Leptospirosis
Parainfluenza
Cats are vaccinated against
Feline leukaemia
Cat ’flu
Feline enteritis
Rabbits can be protected against
Myxomatosis
Viral haemorrhagic disease

To give you an idea of the disease threats in our particular area, within the past year we have diagnosed cases of parvovirus, leptospirosis, feline leukaemia, cat flu and myxomatosis. Sadly many of those pets affected cannot be saved. 

In my experience, many pet owners start with good intentions and get their puppies and kittens vaccinated, but then over the years fail to keep up to date with booster shots. This is often due to a lack of awareness of the disease risks to unvaccinated pets. Those cutting  back on boosters to save money can be making a false economy, as treatment for one of the preventable diseases is likely to cost far more than routine vaccinations. National Vaccination Month is the perfect chance to get all your pets protected without stretching the family finances.   Why not call to make your appointment today?

 Nicky Lumley MRCVS
 Toft Lodge Veterinary Centre

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