Tag: PDSA

Scotland faces ‘pet poverty’ crisis, warns vet charity

Scotland is facing crisis levels of ‘pet poverty’, according to figures released today by PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need.

The charity – which provides free and low cost vet care for those who struggle to pay treatment costs for their sick and injured pets – said the financial impact of Covid-19 has led to an overwhelming number of enquiries from pet owners who have hit hard times since the start of lockdown.

More than 66,000 pets in Scotland have benefited from PDSA’s free and low-cost vet care since the initial Covid-19 lockdown began.

Susie Hermit, Senior Vet at the PDSA Pet Hospital on Shamrock Street in Glasgow, said: “From March to September this year, PDSA hospitals and clinics in Scotland carried out 62,873 remote consultations, 1,078 essential and emergency operations and 2,519 x-rays for pets whose owners can no longer afford vet’s fees. It’s clear we’re experiencing the start of a pet welfare crisis, as a result of Covid-19.

“For many sick and injured pets, whose owners are struggling financially, the PDSA Pet Hospitals in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow are their only emergency service.”

Jan McLoughlin, PDSA Director General, added: “This Winter, we’re facing the biggest challenge in our history. We’re experiencing unprecedented demand for our services.

“During this time, pets have become more important than ever for so many people – providing companionship and comfort and alleviating isolation. But the financial impact of the pandemic is starting to bite. No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. And no pet should suffer because of poverty.

“I’ve not known a pet care crisis like it in the 19 years I’ve been at PDSA. Without charitable support from the public, our PDSA Pet Hospitals in Scotland may not be able to meet this additional demand for our services.”

PDSA is launching a Pet Care Crisis Emergency Appeal to raise vital funds so it can continue to care for pets whose owners now find themselves unable to pay for vet treatment.

Susie stressed: “We never want to be in a position where we can’t be there for pets that need us; whether that’s today, tomorrow or in the future. Sadly, pets will continue to fall ill or get injured throughout this Coronavirus crisis and many owners will be in desperate need of our help due to changes in their financial circumstances.

“2020 has been a hard year for everyone and the pandemic has impacted on all our lives, but innocent pets shouldn’t suffer as a result of their owner’s hardship. I know that Scotland is a country of pet lovers and I hope people will support PDSA’s Emergency Appeal so that together we can reduce the impact of pet poverty caused by the pandemic.”

For more information on PDSA and the pet care crisis, please visit: 

PDSA.org.uk/whywematter  

Heroic animals ‘who also served’ honoured this VE Day

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, leading vet charity PDSA is paying tribute to the brave hero animals ‘who also served’ and helped save countless lives during World War II.

The charity is commemorating the milestone by sharing exclusive e-books* which tell the remarkable stories of animal heroes honoured with the PDSA Dickin Medal**. These include the story of messenger pigeon, Duke of Normandy, who flew for 27 hours through bullets and bombs to deliver vital, life-saving intelligence to Allied Forces.

The prestigious Medal – known as the animals’ Victoria Cross – recognises outstanding acts of gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by animals serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in theatres of war.

The Medal was instituted by the charity’s Founder, Maria Dickin, with the approval of the War Office and Imperial War Museum, to raise the status of animals and acknowledge the remarkable roles they play in society. It was first awarded to a messenger pigeon named Winkie on 3 December 1943.

Mary Bawn, Head of Press, Voice and Brand at PDSA, said: “Throughout history, animals serving in the Armed Forces have made an extraordinary difference to the lives of so many, not only the men and women who serve, but also civilians who our military are protecting.

“Sharing some of these stories on VE day is a great way to celebrate the incredible, life-saving role animals have played throughout history, and continue to play today.”

To download the free PDSA Dickin Medal e-books visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/VE

Some of the featured hero stories include: 

Rip – The ‘World’s first Search and Rescue dog’

Rip, a crossbreed terrier, who is often referred to as the ‘World’s first Search and Rescue dog’. He was found on the streets of London by a local Air Raid Warden in 1940.

He had a talent for sniffing out survivors trapped in the blitz rubble and despite never receiving formal training, in just twelve months he helped save the lives of more than 100 people.

Rip was awarded his PDSA Dickin Medal in 1945.

Duke of Normandy (Pigeon No. NURP 41. SBC 219)

Allied paratroopers from the 21st Army Group were dropped behind enemy lines days before D-Day. After their mission ran into numerous problems, the only way to get a message back was a pigeon named Duke of Normandy.

His journey home – through bullets and bombs – took almost 27 hours. But he delivered critical intelligence to the Allied Command – and saved many lives.

Duke of Normandy received his PDSA Dickin Medal on 8 January 1947.

Brian – a parachuting dog

A ‘qualified paratrooper’, Brian (also known as Bing) served with the 13th Battalion Airborne Regiment during WWII. As the D-Day landings began, Brian was parachuted into the Normandy and fought side-by-side with his human allies. He also took part in the final airborne assault of the war.

Brian was presented with his PDSA Dickin Medal in March 1947.

To read the full stories of these amazing animal heroes and more download the free PDSA Dickin Medal e-books at: www.pdsa.org.uk/VE

About PDSA

PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity, helping save and protect the lives of pets in need.  Funded entirely by public support, we are a lifeline for owners who have nowhere else to turn in times of financial hardship.

Due to coronavirus, PDSA is facing into a national crisis. The pandemic is having a massive impact on fundraising activities and the charity has seen a huge drop in income.  Despite this sick and injured pets still need emergency treatment, and PDSA will still be there to help.

The charity needs support now more than ever. With your support we can stop suffering and save pets lives when they have nowhere else to turn.

To support us and help continue our vital work visit: pdsa.org.uk/appeal

 *Available to download for a limited time only

 

Pudgy Pug Peaches enters PDSA Pet Fit CLub

Peaches the Pug, whose love of cheese and crisps has left her struggling on walks, is hoping to shed the pounds by signing up for the UK’s largest pet slimming competition – PDSA Pet Fit Club.

The four-year-old roly-poly pooch weighs in at a whopping 10.6kg (1st 6lbs), having eaten her way to becoming 51% overweight. She needs to lose a colossal 3.6kg to reach her ideal weight of 7kg (approx.).

Percy’s owner, student nurse Danielle Porter from Livingston, says Peaches will eat anything she can get her paws on, including her favourites: cheese, ham and crisps.

“When we’re eating we dare not leave our plates unsupervised as Peaches will go for it!” says Danielle. “I find it really hard to say no to Peaches, especially when she looks at me with her puppy-dog eyes.

“My mum looks after her when I’m at uni and tends to feed Peaches big portions, which is definitely adding to her weight-gain.”

Despite daily walks, Peaches struggles to run and play like other dogs due to her weight, which is one of the main reasons her owner wants to help slim her down. Another vital reason is that, as a Pug, Peaches is at higher risk of breathing issues due to her flat face shape – issues which will be worsened by carrying extra weight.

Danielle added: “Peaches enjoys her walks, but she has slowed down quite a bit due to her size. She also has regular sessions at a local hydrotherapy pool to help her lose weight, but she finds it hard work and can only last a few minutes.”

“Peaches is a lovable dog but I want her to be happier, healthier and more energetic.”

Now in its 15th year, the competition aims to help tackle the UK’s pet obesity crisis – as the charity’s stats reveal up to half of UK pets (46% of dogs, 34% of cats and 30% of rabbits*) are believed to be overweight or obese.

The most common reasons given by UK vets and vet nurses for excess weight in pets are: owner’s lack of recognition that their pet is overweight, feeding ‘treats’ or human food, and inappropriate portion sizes* .  All of which could be leaving our four-legged friend’s health, happiness and life-expectancy at serious risk.

Since 2005 Pet Fit Club has helped 143 pets (89 dogs, 44 cats, eight rabbits and two rats) lose 513kg (80st 12lb) – equivalent to a polar bear! The 2015 Pet Fit Club Champ, Kayla the Mastiff from Glasgow, lost an impressive 17kg (2st 9lb) – 29% of her bodyweight!

The charity, which provides free and reduced cost veterinary care to pets in need, is urging owners to enter their pets for the slimming competition to help them battle the bulge at: pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “Pet obesity has been a huge problem in the UK for many years and sadly there is no sign of improvement, with nearly one in every two pets seen by vets and vet nurses overweight or obese. This is a serious health issue, one of the biggest currently threatening pet wellbeing across the UK.

“Pets who are overweight or obese are much more likely to develop health problems such as arthritis and diabetes. Being overweight can also seriously aggravate other health problems, such as heart disease. For example, Pugs and French Bulldogs already struggle to breathe because of their flat faces, but carrying excess inches can make this much worse.

“Research has also shown that carrying too much weight can reduce a dog’s life expectancy by up to 2 years and 6 months**.”

About PDSA Pet Fit Club

Since its launch, the 15 pets crowned ‘Pet Fit Club Champ’ have lost a total of 130.35kg (20st 8lb).

Up to 20 overweight pets (dogs, cats, rabbits and rats) from across the UK will be chosen to participate in PDSA Pet Fit Club.

Selected pets are placed on a six-month diet and exercise programme, individually tailored to their needs and overseen by vets and vet nurses at their local PDSA Pet Hospital.

Participants receive free diet pet food for the duration of the competition, and the overall Pet Fit Club Champ, crowned at the end of 2020, will win a year’s free pet food and a pet friendly holiday.

Owners can find out more and apply online at pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub or by calling the Pet Fit Club team on 01952 797246. The closing date is Sunday 8 March 2020.

  • Pet Fit Club has helped 143 pets lose 513kg (80st 12lb) – equivalent to a polar bear
  • 89 dogs, 44 cats, 8 rabbits and 2 rats have taken part in the diet
  • The 15 Pet Fit Club Champs have lost over 130.35kg (20st 8lb).
  • The biggest ever ‘loser’ Oscar lost 39% of his bodyweight. 

“We know that we are a nation of animal lovers,” continues Nina, “But unfortunately a lot of pet owners show their love and affection using food.  And as the waistlines of the pet population have expanded, our understanding of a ‘healthy shape’ has become distorted – seeing overweight pets becomes normal. Recognising a healthy body shape – and if there is a problem – is the first step to making a positive change for your pet’s health.

“Most pets would be just as happy with extra attention – an extra walk or playtime – than food. And ‘treats’ of human food or too-large portions can be very bad for them.

“They should be fed a complete pet food suitable for their age and weight, with only occasional healthy treats, such as a few slices of carrot for dogs and a small piece of white fish or meat for cats. Our pets also need regular, varied exercise, suitable for their age and health, to keep their bodies and minds stimulated.

Nina concludes: “Pet Fit Club helps transform the UK’s fattest pets into fit and healthy animals. Pets that could barely walk, climb stairs or fit through cat flaps will be given a new lease of life.

“Prevention is always better than cure, but it is never too late to make a change. With the right advice, a good diet, suitable exercise and a bit of willpower, owners have the ability to make a real difference to their pet’s lives.  So we’re urging owners who have overweight pets to enter today.”

Enter Pet Fit Club at: pdsa.org.uk/petfitclub

Success for Scottish pug in national pet slimming competition

Percy the pug completes six month Pet Fit Club diet

A former roly-poly pooch from Glasgow, who had an unhealthy love affair with leftovers, has been named runner-up the UK’s largest pet slimming competition – PDSA Pet Fit Club – after shedding 18% of his bodyweight and 7 inches off his waist in just six months. Continue reading Success for Scottish pug in national pet slimming competition

Last chance to enter national Pet Survivor competition

PDSA wants to know if your pet has beaten death by a whisker

Time is running out for owners to enter their furry companions into vet charity PDSA’s Pet Survivor awards, which celebrate those family pets who have survived serious injury or illness against all the odds. Entries close at midnight on Sunday (8 September). Continue reading Last chance to enter national Pet Survivor competition

Plunge in vaccination numbers is a ticking time bomb for pets, vet charity warns

Over 7 million UK pets at risk of suffering and disease through lack of vaccination, PDSA’s latest PAW Report finds

Latest findings from leading vet charity PDSA reveal a record decline in the number of young pets receiving their vaccinations, leaving many of Scotland’s pet population unprotected and exposed to potentially fatal diseases.

The 2019 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, the largest report of its kind, found the number of UK pets receiving their primary vaccinations when young – which protect pets from deadly diseases and viruses – has dropped dramatically from 84% in 2016 to 66% in 2019, an 18 percentage point decrease in just three years. This could leave over 7 million pets unprotected. 

Findings from the 2019 PAW Report also show that one third (32%) of UK pets aren’t receiving regular booster vaccines, which keep them protected from potentially fatal diseases.

Of those UK pet owners who hadn’t vaccinated their pet, 17% said that they deemed it ‘too expensive’, an additional 17% said their pet didn’t come into contact with other animals. Other explanations included 16% who felt it was ‘unnecessary’, while other pet owners (13%) said that their ‘pet found going to the vets very stressful’.

The worrying findings coincide with growing hesitancy towards vaccinations in children, renewing One Health concerns that an “anti-vax” phenomenon – scepticism towards the safety and efficacy of vaccines – could be directed towards pets as well as children.

Falling vaccination rates have been cited by the World Health Organisation as one of the top ten threats to global health**. In 2019, the UK lost its measles-free status, three years after the virus was eliminated in the country.

Commenting on the findings, PDSA Senior Vet, Sean Wensley, said: “It’s extremely worrying to see such a decline in the number of young pets receiving their primary vaccinations.

“Vaccinations have helped to protect millions of pets from serious diseases such as parvovirus, cat flu and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease. If people don’t vaccinate we risk seeing a rise in extremely unpleasant, preventable, diseases that can cause considerable animal suffering and death.”

Sean adds: “In addition to the vaccination findings, the PAW Report found there has been a decline in owners who feel informed about all of their pets’ 5 Welfare Needs – the five things that all pets need to be healthy and happy – contributing to  millions of our much-loved pets  not  having their basic needs met.

“For example, 1.9 million dogs (19%) are left alone for five or more hours every day and 1.3 million dogs (13%) aren’t walked every day, increasing the risks of obesity and poor mental wellbeing linked to isolation and boredom.

The PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report has monitored pet welfare issues across the UK for the last nine years, surveying over 73,500 people in this time. Produced in conjunction with YouGov, the PAW Report provides a robust insight into the lives of pet dogs, cats and rabbits across the UK.

Key findings from the 2019 PDSA PAW Report:

  • More Scottish owners (80%) had heard of the Animal Welfare Acts than the UK average (74%)
  • Scottish dogs get more daily walks – just 5% have one walk or less daily, compared to the UK average (12%)
  • 18 percentage point drop in proportion of UK pets who’ve received a primary vaccination course when young over the last three years
  • 3 in 4 UK pet owners don’t realise the true cost of keeping a pet (75% of pet owners guessed lower than the estimated minimum monthly cost for their pet)
  • 2 in 10 UK dogs left home alone for too long (19% of dogs left alone for five or more hours every day)
  • Half of all UK rabbits live in ‘solitary confinement’ (49% of rabbits live alone with no other rabbit for company)
  • 99,000 UK dogs (1%) never get walked.

PDSA is calling for owners to complete their online quiz to share their thoughts on the health and happiness of their own much-loved pets. There’s also a chance to win a hamper worth £200! https://bit.ly/2luGzE7

Other concerning findings from PDSA’s latest PAW Report, which the charity believes is leading to unnecessary misery for the UK’s pets, include:

  • 31% of dog owners, 56% of cat owners respectively aren’t aware of their pet’s current weight or body condition score, meaning millions don’t know if their pet is overweight and suffering in silence
  • 43% of cats live in a multi-cat household, when cats generally prefer to live alone.
  • Bunnies are highly misunderstood pets and 25% are homed in inappropriate, small hutches where they are unable to exercise and show natural behaviours.
  • 26% of owners fail to feed their rabbits hay as part of their main diet, and 21% are fed inappropriate ‘muesli-style’ food, both of which can cause serious dental and weight problems in the UK’s bunnies.

2019-paw-report

Two miracle pets who dodged death by a whisker entered into national competition

A Fox terrier left at death’s door after a ferocious dog attack, and a cat left with a fractured jaw after being hit by a car are among the first entrants into this year’s Pet Survivor competition, run by leading vet charity PDSA. Continue reading Two miracle pets who dodged death by a whisker entered into national competition