Plea to seek help on parvovirus vaccine cost

A dog called Honey is the latest pet in Northern Ireland to be fighting for her life after contracting the parvovirus.

Nurse Emily Wilson from the Roe Valley Veterinary Clinic in Limavady said the dogs’s life now lies in the balance.

“Honey is very touch and go. She was admitted on Monday morning, very collapsed, very dull. A lot of vomiting, a lot of diarrhoea,” she told UTV.

“It’s a waiting game to see if there will be any improvement.”

The North West Animal Welfare Group believes the spiralling cost of the Parvo vaccine has led to a dramatic drop off in the number of dog owners getting their pets the jab.

Last week a pup named Oscar that the charity rescued from wandering in the streets of Limavady died from the virus.

Honey also displayed symptoms after being taken in by the group.

Mel McKee looks after many of the rescued dogs at her home and says unvaccinated dogs have little chance of surviving Parvovirus

“Dogs really suffer, they literally die from the inside out.”

The Parvo vaccine is highly effective. Puppies are given two doses in their first year, the first jab administered after 8 weeks.

However, dogs need a booster every year and the price of the jabs has risen sharply in recent months.

Mel McKee says charities like The North West Animal Welfare Group can help owners who are struggling.

“We support low income families or people who are in crisis. Go to your local vet as well to see if you can set up a payment plan.

“People need to be in  tune with what their dog needs. At the end of the day it’s a wee life.”