A Glasgow vet says that it has seen an increase in the number of sick dogs due to a number of factors linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
The VetsNow emergency hospital in the city has been inundated with pooches coming down with sickness and diarrhoea symptoms.
It is claimed that this is down to a surge in the demand for puppies during lockdown, in addition to ongoing social distancing measures at the clinic.
Dog owners are said to be introducing their new pups outdoors without receiving the appropriate vaccinations.
This has resulted in a ‘huge increase’ in dogs testing positive for canine parvovirus - a highly infectious disease that can be fatal in some cases.
The vet has also slammed dodgy dog breeders for ‘exploiting the market’ and selling puppies who are not always in the best of health.
Some can develop issues such as AHDS (Acute Diarrhoea Syndrome), food intolerances or worms.
Lara Wilson, leader emergency veterinary surgeon at VetsNow in Glasgow, said: “Unfortunately we are seeing dogs presenting with sickness and diarrhoea symptoms on a daily basis at the moment, which is not the normal pattern.
“We’re seeing a combination of factors contributing to this continual stream, of cases, mainly down to the effects of the global pandemic.
“The widely-reported demand for puppies during the pandemic has meant that some breeders are exploiting the market and not all puppies are the healthiest they can be, leading to lots of problems when owners bring pups home for the first time.
“The pandemic has also prompted some delays in vaccinations, largely due to the way daytime vets are having to work within current restrictions, and that people aren’t always waiting until puppies are fully vaccinated before exposing them to the outside world.”
Last week, we reported that the number of dogs being stolen across the UK had increased by 170% during lockdown in 2020.
Scottish SPCA officials suspected that stolen pups are being snatched for breeding purposes or sold on for profit.
Scots have been urged to do the appropriate checks on the breeder before taking home their new canine friend.
Lara from VetsNow added: “Out best advice is buy your puppy from a reputable breeder who will let you see the parents, check initial vaccinations have been given by a veterinary surgeon and the puppy has had initial worm treatment.
“A good breeder will provide advice and support after the pup gets home.
“If you are in any doubt about what you are being told about a puppy, don’t buy it.”
