Controversial claims by dog behaviourist Stan Rawlinson that vets should share some of the blame for falling pet welfare standards have been refuted by Caroline Allen, Clinical Director at Canonbury Veterinary Practice in London.
In this week’s Pet Trade Xtra, Caroline responds to the points made by Stan Rawlinson.
The PDSA PAWS Report is certainly a wake-up call to all those who care about this country’s pets, including vets who must ensure they are doing all they can to educate clients and promote preventative care. It is a shame to see individuals using this important report to play a ‘blame game’ and spread unsubstantiated scare stories.
On the subject of vaccinations, while vaccination manufacturers' guidelines do state that some vaccine components should be administered every three years, the Leptospirosis component (Weils disease, that can be transmitted to people) is shown to only last a maximum of 14 months. We therefore need to give this every year.
A yearly health check is a vital measure. Our pets can't tell us how they feel and we often pick up painful and debilitating conditions at these checks, which would otherwise have gone untreated. The annual health check should also be a place to ensure owners are given the information they need to maximise their pet's welfare.
I strongly refute the claim that there is a “massive ground swell and knowledge base, that suggest over-vaccination is causing major health problems with our dogs’ immune systems. Dogs are becoming very ill and in some cases dying as their immune system breaks down.” This claim simply is not backed up by any reliable evidence. A major independent study by the Animal Health Trust demonstrated no link between vaccination and disease.
Unfortunately misinformation about vaccination leads people not to vaccinate and not to visit the vet. We are seeing an increase in cases of parvovirus. Anyone who has battled parvovirus and seen animals die horribly in a pool of vomit and diarrhoea will know that this misinformation is leading to suffering, and we are even hearing about the return of Distemper.
On the subject of early neutering, not only does the research show overall health benefits especially in terms of a large effect on prevention of mammary (breast) cancer but we also need to accept action is needed to tackle overpopulation, leading to the tragedy of thousands of dogs being killed every year because there are no suitable homes.
Early neutering is an important part of this. This review provides research based information regarding early neutering and the potential side effects.
What makes an animal too fat is too much energy intake and not enough energy expenditure.
Behaviour issues are certainly on the increase. Again a visit to a good vet, offering opportunities for early socialisation is important. Also realistic owner expectation, an understanding of normal behaviour and effort put in to training are vital. Unfortunately the field of animal behaviour is dangerously unregulated. I only ever recommend a member of the Asssociation of Pet Behaviourist Counsellors to clients who need further assistance. Sadly I have seen others who claim to be 'behaviourists' do more harm than good.
I commend the PDSA report and hope that it promotes more research and education in to how we can improve the welfare of pets. It is clear that relying on rumours and myth can do more harm than good.
Pet owners should look for a vet who is willing to discuss concerns and answer their questions and places a strong emphasis on preventative health care.
