Dogs must be vaccinated

Owners run the risk of their canine companions engaging with fatal diseases, which have the potential to affect others.

In support of World Veterinary Day, which was held across the nation recently, local veterinarians, RSPCA workers and animal care facility officers are urging dog owners to take more care.

Parvovirus is a highly infectious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular systems of dogs.

City of Canning commissioner Linton Reynolds said most of the dogs homed at the City’s Animal Care Facility in Canning Vale were there after being found wandering.

He said if dogs were not vaccinated properly, City officers were forced to isolate them.

‘If the pound officer believes that an impounded dog is unwell, he will arrange for it to be checked by and treated appropriately,’ he said.

‘The City manages the risk of parvovirus being transferred from dog to dog within its care by ensuring that there is only one dog in each pen, and the pen is thoroughly cleaned daily.

‘The City of Canning cannot provide vaccinations for animals and cannot conduct any treatment on a dog, except for emergency veterinary treatment.’

An RSPCA spokesperson expressed his concerns for all unvaccinated canines with the Canning Times last week.

He said there were fundamental pet ownership costs and there were no excuses for owners neglecting their dog’s health.

The theme of the day was ‘vaccination to prevent and protect’, highlighting the unnecessary risks owners can expose their pets to.