New information released by veterinary charity PDSA claims three million UK pets are at risk of flea infestations this spring. This is despite vet advice to owners to protect their cats and dogs from the blood-sucking parasites.
New findings from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – the biggest annual assessment of pet welfare – reveal that over 1.5 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are not receiving the necessary treatments to safeguard them from becoming a meal ticket for fleas.
Vets blame milder winters and widespread central heating for an increase in the UK flea population. The PDSA believes proactive action by pet owners can easily prevent infestations and stop millions of cats and dogs across the country from suffering.
PDSA Head of Pet Health and Welfare Nicola Martin said: ‘The PDSA PAW Report has highlighted big regional variations when it comes to flea prevention. Scottish pets are in the greatest danger of infestation, with over a third of owners admitting they don’t treat their pets for fleas. Welsh pets don’t fare much better, with more than a quarter unprotected. In comparison, pets in the South West are the most protected, with nearly nine–in-ten owners taking the right steps. Regardless of where you live, regular parasite treatment is vital for all pets, to stop them suffering unnecessarily.’
To help build a better life for pets and gain a greater understanding about pet ownership in Britain, PDSA is calling on owners to take part in its Big Pet Survey, at www.pdsa.org.uk/bigpetsurvey.
