Invisible killer: 99% of UK vets have seen a pet die from a preventable infectious disease
- New research released for National Pet Vaccination Month (March) reveals widespread misconceptions among owners that vets warn are putting much loved pets at serious, and potentially deadly, risk.
- Only 1% of UK pet owners know how far preventable diseases spread.
- Released with striking images of diseases ‘traveling’ through parks, gardens and homes, owners are being urged to speak to their vet and protect their pets with yearly vaccinations.
As we step into the first days of spring with warmer weather – prime time to spend more time in the garden, at café catch ups, and on holiday – research released for National Pet Vaccination Month (March) reveals alarming gaps in awareness that are putting thousands of UK pets at risk of easily spreading potentially fatal diseases.
A study commissioned by MyPet.com, founded by global animal health provider MSD Animal Health, shows that 99% of UK vets have seen a pet die from a preventable infectious disease – with 7 in 10 saying it’s happened multiple times in their careers.
When it comes to pet owners, shockingly only 1% realise pets can catch diseases from more than two metres away, and nearly one in five (18%) still think infection only happens through direct contact – overlooking the invisible risks from shared water bowls in cafés, stays in kennels and catteries, and germs brought indoors on shoes and clothes.
This sits alongside another alarming statistic: nearly 3 in 4 cats (72%) and around 2 in 5 dogs (42%) are not vaccinated. With the majority of vets reporting preventable deaths caused by infectious diseases, this research is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of missed or delayed vaccinations.
Alongside the research, MyPet.com has released a striking series of images showing diseases ‘traveling’ through parks, gardens and even inside homes – designed to jolt pet owners out of complacency, prompt them to speak to their vet, and book their pets in for a vaccination.
Invisible threats: Is your pet at risk?
A survey of 1,000 UK cat and dog owners uncovered major myths that could be exposing pets to deadly preventable infectious diseases and reveals how far the UK’s understanding is from the truth:
- Nearly half of pet owners (45%) believe faeces is the main transmission route, with only one in four (25%) recognising shared water bowls in parks and cafés as a common source of infection.
- Almost 1 in 4 pet owners (24%) are not confident they could spot the signs of a deadly disease in their pet – leaving serious conditions to progress unnoticed.
- Of pet owners who delayed or skipped vaccinations, nearly 1 in 4 (23%) believe puppy and kitten vaccines are “enough for life”, while 22% underestimate the importance of vaccination, and 19% delay boosters as they believe “it could wait”.
Veterinary professionals surveyed reported continued cases of parvovirus, leptospirosis, cat ‘flu, contagious cough and feline panleukopenia – often in pets whose vaccinations had lapsed.
- 9 in 10 (90%) vets treated vaccine preventable infectious diseases in the last 18 months.
- Almost 1 in 2 vets (45%) say owners underestimate how common these diseases still are.
- Vets are most concerned about one misconception amongst pet owners above all else: the belief that “if a pet looks healthy, they aren’t infectious” – cited by 47% of vets. Close behind:
- 46% say many owners wrongly assume vaccines only matter when pets are young.
- 44% want to challenge the idea that diseases spread only through direct contact.
- 41% emphasise that even indoor pets still need vaccinations.
These myths are leaving cats and dogs dangerously exposed to serious diseases such as parvovirus, which causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea, and crucially, is entirely preventable with regular vaccination – highlighting the importance of vaccinations in pets of all ages, paired with yearly vet discussions to ensure they’re fully protected.
Dr Scott Miller, veterinary expert and resident vet on ITV’s This Morning, warns:
“Deadly diseases don’t wait for ‘the perfect moment’ so, neither should pet owners. As vets, we know it’s the everyday interactions – a quick drink from a shared bowl at a cafe, a play in the park or even animal urine or faeces in your own garden – that exposes pets to seriously harmful diseases, and unfortunately, cause many deaths each year.
“We know everyone is feeling the pinch right now, but the reassurance of protecting your pet from potentially life threatening diseases is invaluable. Owners should speak to their vet about health plan options – many offer pay-monthly schemes that make keeping pets protected more affordable.
“It’s important for every owner to know that boosters are not optional but instead a necessity of pet ownership. These diseases are real, they are deadly, and most importantly – they are preventable. Consistent protection is the only way to keep pets safe.”
National Pet Vaccination Month is built on a simple mission: to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and help owners protect their pets for life. The initiative is led by MSD Animal Health, a leader in preventative health solutions committed to supporting vets, farmers and pet owners across the country.
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health, added:
“As a pet owner and vet, I want my pets to be as well protected against preventable diseases as I possibly can, and I know a lot of UK pet owners feel the same regarding their furry family members. However, pet vaccine reminders are easily missed with our modern, busy lifestyles, and it is all too easy for pets to end up with less-than-optimal protection, when in fact the majority would benefit from yearly vaccinations.
“That’s why MSD Animal Health has set up National Pet Vaccination Month – to help inform about the risks out there and protect our nation of pets. We are urging pet owners to check their pets’ vaccination status, whatever their age, and ensure their pets are up to date with their boosters and to speak to their vet if they are unsure. Don’t wait, vaccinate!”
Helen Stapleton, Head of Rehoming and Veterinary at Woodgreen Pets Charity, said:
“At Woodgreen, we often see puppies and young adult dogs arriving without their essential vaccinations or having missed their annual boosters. Some of these dogs need intensive medical care the moment they reach us, and some must be kept in strict isolation while we start their vaccinations from scratch. Despite every effort from our veterinary team, we have tragically lost puppies to parvovirus.
“We have also supported a worrying number of stray female cats who were clearly owned, many pregnant or caring for newborn litters with severe signs of cat ‘flu. Their kittens often suffer the same symptoms but much worse because of their fragile immune systems. Even with round-the-clock care, some of these kittens sadly don’t survive.
“We urge every pet owner to keep their pet’s vaccinations up to date.”
This month, owners across the UK are being urged to speak to their vet to check their pets
vaccination status and book their pets vaccination or booster appointment.
Don’t wait. Vaccinate. For more information, visit: uk.mypet.com/vaccinate/
