WHEN was the last time your dog was vaccinated?

A recent outbreak of diseases in Borders dogs, some proving deadly, has forced a local vet to call on all owners to ensure their pets are protected.

Cases of the potentially fatal Parvovirus and Leptospirosis have been detected in unvaccinated dogs, and it has been spreading with terrible consequences.

Once a dog has contracted a disease like canine hepatitis, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

And in extreme cases can lead to death.

Diseases such as Parvovirus and Leptospirosis can be easily picked up from dog faeces, ponds, puddles and even the sole of a shoe, and then spread through dog-to-dog contact and within a household.

David Knight, a Galedin Vet explained: "There are still a large number of dogs which have never been vaccinated or whose vaccinations have lapsed and this is why the outbreaks occur.”

Because of the reappearance of contagious diseases such as canine hepatitis and adenovirus back in early June, Galedin Vets are offering a full vaccination programme for “the price of a single booster”.

For any owners who believe their dog may not have a full, up-to-date vaccination record, an amnesty will also be in place until the end of September at all Galedin Vet branches.

Pet owners are welcome to go to any Galedin Veterinary location and receive the necessary vaccinations, regardless of any previous discrepancies with their dog’s health record.

This amnesty along with the price reduction of the vaccinations and boosters will give all owners a chance to improve the health of their pets, and prevent the spreading of serious disease from between dogs.

David added: “Preventive care has to be the best care."

Galedin Vets has branch practices at Berwick, Coldstream, Duns Cheeklaw, Eyemouth, Kelso and Galashiels. Full details are available at www.galedinvet.com