AHEAD of World Animal Vaccination Day a leading Bracknell vet is reminding pet owners about the importance of protecting their animals.

Alan Hutchinson the acting co-clinical director at Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital in Binfield believes its important that residents keep their pets vaccinations up to date to ensure they work effectively.

He said: “There has been some anti-vax discussion online in recent times, saying having your pet vaccinated could damage their health.

“Sadly, unfounded and dangerous misinformation, such as the assertion that vaccination can cause autism in pets, can sway people into leaving their pets unprotected from diseases which can have serious consequences.”

The warning comes ahead of World Animal Vaccination Day on Saturday, April 10, the day aims to raise awareness of the vital role immunisation plays in protecting the health of animals.

Recent research from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals showed that in 2018 a quarter of UK dog owners had not had their puppies vaccinated.

Alan believes that although some owners may have concerns over costs not vaccinating an animal leaves it susceptible to serious health risks and bigger expenses in the future.

He added: “Currently there is a resurgence of Parvovirus in the UK. The virus is extremely contagious and dangerous some veterinary practices have had to start offering extra vaccinations to younger dogs in order to protect them from the greater level of risk.

“We also have other diseases on the rise such as Leptospirosis, which can also be passed on to people in the household resulting in very severe problems, including jaundice.”

Mr Hutchinson also believes that anyone with concerns should speak to their vet.

He said: “If anyone has concerns about getting pets vaccinated, I’d urge them to speak to their vet to get expert advice, rather than going online and risking reading uninformed and, sometimes, misleading opinions.

“Our main priority is the health and wellbeing of animals, which is why we can’t stress enough just how important it is to get them vaccinated. As mentioned, immunisation of pets can also protect humans.”

For more information about Moor Cottage, visit: www.bracknellvets.co.uk.