28% of Irish dog owners lagging behind on pet vaccinations
Survey reveals shocking levels of ignorance
More than a quarter of Irish dog owners are behind on their routine pet vaccination, it has been revealed.
A survey by MSD Animal Health found the top three reasons given by respondents for not vaccinating their pets were – forgetting, concerns about side effects, and not seeing the need.
Kevin Whelan, Companion Animal Marketing Manager at MSD Animal Health, said: ““The uptake in pet vaccinations over the last year is a cause for concern particularly with anecdotal evidence suggesting that the figure amongst the general population of pet owners is lower again, with less than 60% being up to date.
“This is a significant gap and means that many pets across Ireland remain exposed to serious disease risk.”
Key findings included:
- 28% of owners are behind with routine vaccinations
- Just 27% were aware of leptospirosis
- 51% reporting awareness of parvovirus
- 69% of pet owners believedg the main source of canine cough to be boarding kennels.
- 76% said that their dog regularly comes into contact with other dogs, and as such would be at greater risk of contracting infectious pet diseases.
The Ireland-wide research findings were announced as part of MSD Animal Health’s Pet Vaccination Campaign, themed ‘Don’t Wait – Vaccinate’.
Rugby legend and dog lover Rory Best is also coming on board to support the campaign.
Kevin Whelan added: “Hopefully, pet vaccination uptake will improve as things slowly return to normal in the months ahead, and this is a good time to encourage pet owners to check if they are up to date.
“The message to pet owners is not to wait until it’s too late – speak to your vet about the boosters your pet needs and stay on track with this important element of pet health protection.”
MSD Animal Health, which manufactures the market leading Nobivac range of vaccines, questioned 572 pet owners in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
