Protect your dogs against killer disease

Blue Cross is warning dog owners to make sure vaccinations are up to date to protect them from killer diseases like 'parvovirus' and has teamed up with The Scarsdale Veterinary Group at The Pride Veterinary Centre, Derby to offer free vaccinations throughout April for pets whose owners are on means-tested benefits. 

Dogs are extremely vulnerable to the highly contagious illness if they are not vaccinated or if their annual booster shots are not kept up to date.

Almost half the number of dogs treated for parvo at Blue Cross animal hospitals nationwide in 2013 sadly died, despite round-the-clock care from the charity's vets and nurses. All of these were young puppies who had not been vaccinated.

Vets at Blue Cross and The Pride Veterinary Centre are concerned that if dogs are not vaccinated it could lead to an epidemic of the disease. The virus passes easily between unvaccinated dogs and can survive for months in the environment. Victims suffer from vomiting and diarrhoea which leads to severe dehydration, often fatal in vulnerable young or elderly dogs.

John Turkington, Vet Partner at The Pride Veterinary Centre said: "It is so sad to see dogs brought to us so seriously ill when their suffering could easily have been prevented with a simple vaccination. We urge all pet owners to make sure their pet's vaccinations are up to date. If you are on benefits do get in touch with us to see if you are eligible for the new Blue Cross pet care clinic and take advantage of the charity offering free vaccinations during April.”

To take advantage of the free vaccinations being offered in April register your pet at the Derby pet care clinic now. Pet owners must live within the pet care clinic's catchment area and bring proof of benefits to their appointments. Register or find out more by contacting The Pride Veterinary Centre on 0300 777 1870 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk/derby.

Blue Cross receives no government funding and relies on the generous support of the public to continue its vital work. To find out more about the charity, to make a donation or to see pets currently needing a loving new home please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Blue Cross pet charity teamed up with The Scarsdale Veterinary Group at The Pride Veterinary Centre, Derby in December 2013. The scheme offers treatment to local pets whose owners are on means-tested benefits.
• Blue Cross has been dedicated to helping poorly, injured and abandoned pets for over 100 years. We opened the world’s first animal hospital in 1906 and since then our doors have never closed to sick and homeless animals.
• Today we run four animal hospitals and 12 rehoming centres across the UK, which provide treatment and seek happy homes for thousands of cats, dogs, small pets and horses every year.
• Blue Cross actively campaigns to improve all aspects of animal welfare, working with the government, schools and others to improve the lives of pets and their owners. For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Louise Lee, Blue Cross, 020 7932 4066 or [email protected]

— Page last updated 28/01/2021