Vaccinations needed for pets on holiday

Press, 20 December 1986, Page 10

Vaccinations needed for pets on holiday

Pet owners looking forward to summer holidays should first make sure that vaccinations for their cats and dogs are up to date, says a Christchurch veterinarian.

Cats or dogs put into kennels without current vaccinations run a high risk of catching fatal diseases, says Dr Robert Spyker, the secretary of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. “It is easy and almost

100 per cent effective to vaccinate dogs against distemper, infectious hepatitis, or parvovirus,” said Dr Spyker. Parvovirus is particularly contagious, and if dogs are vaccinated now, they will be protected when they are in the kennels.

“Parvovirus causes massive vomiting, and it is heart-breaking for vets who must try to treat it, because they know there is almost no hope,” said Dr Spyker. a ” It is also much cheaper for owners to vaccinate their animals rather than have to pay for expensive treatment once the disease is caught.

Cat owners are reminded to have their pets vaccinated against cat flu and cat snuffles, and these need to be given about two weeks before the animals go into the kennels.

Heatstroke can badly

affect animals at this time, and especially if animals are travelling, owners should have frequent stops for pets. “Heatstroke can kill, because dogs and cats cannot get rid of all their body heat by panting/’ said Dr Spyker.

Over-heated animals should be hosed down or put in a bath. If they do not respond quickly, the veterinarian must give fluid intravenously, said Dr Spyker. “People often travel in cars with open windows, but stick their dogs on the back shelf where they get no ventilation,” said Dr Spyker. “Pets need the same air as we do.” Pets should not be left unattended in cars for very long. Even with open windows, the temperature inside can soar.

At least one dog has been found in a car boot, with the veterinarian arriving too late to help.