MSD Animal Health has launched its Summer Staycation campaign with a range of resources available to veterinary practices to help them keep their clients safe from parasites while holidaying in the UK. As part of the #ProtectOurFutureToo initiative, the Summer Staycation campaign is supporting the needs of the many new dog owners and those taking their dogs to areas outside their local region, where parasites risks will be different. It provides vets with a range of tools and materials to help owners understand the risks and ensure they are adequately protected. The resources include client emails, a downloadable guide to parasites, social media posts and an interactive risk checker on the Keeping Britain’s Pets Healthy website. There is also Front of House/receptionist communication training that can be found on the MSD Hub.
Nicola Barclay, Senior Product Manager at MSD Animal Health comments: “Summer holidays will be taking a different form this year with most people planning trips in the UK, making it more likely they will take their pets. What’s important is that seasoned and new owners alike are aware of the parasite risks in the places they’re visiting so they aren’t putting the health of their pets at risk. We’re therefore providing a range of resources to help veterinary practices encourage pet owners to make sure there are no breaks in their parasite protection and vaccinations and that they are appropriately protected for the places they’ll be visiting.”
Dr Ian Wright, Head of ESCCAP UK and Ireland adds: ”The research findings from The Big Tick Project in 2015 found that one in three dogs coming into veterinary practices during the summer months had ticks on them. Research is also showing many parasites extending their range with an increased risk of human and pet exposure. Warming temperatures mean that ticks can be encountered all year round in the UK, carrying potentially dangerous pathogens to dogs and people including Lyme disease and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). With so many new dog owners and people being more likely to holiday in the UK, making sure dog owners understand the risks, while keeping them in proportion, and giving appropriate protection advice is vital.”
For more information on the “See the Sights, not Parasites” campaign contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
