Vets issue urgent warning to pet owners who are skipping one major thing

have been cautioned about the dangers of neglecting vaccinations, highlighting the severe risks to their furry friends.

A worrying percentage of pet parents, one in six, confess they've lost track of their pet's schedule, while a tenth only visit the vet when their animal is visibly sick. Today, however, an expert has underscored the peril this poses to pets' wellbeing.

"Vaccinations are an essential part of keeping our pets healthy. Not only, along with a yearly health check, do they help protect from life-threatening diseases like canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia, but they can also help owners avoid costly medical treatments in the future," says Rebecca Keseru, veterinary advisor at MSD Animal Health.

"Sometimes people assume pets only need vaccines when they are young, but dog and cat vaccinations do not last a lifetime, so our pets need regular boosters throughout their lives to remain protected."

In light of these concerns, Ms Keseru along with other professionals are calling on pet owners to prioritise preventative care. This move will not only ensure pets enjoy healthier, adventure-filled lives but will also prevent distressing stays in hospital, reports

These revelations follow a survey indicating that a staggering 80% of Britons regard their pet as the love of their life, with the average pet owner shelling out £1,400 annually on goodies and playthings for their cherished companions.

Shocking data from MSD Animal Health reveals a staggering 58 percent of dogs and an even higher 72 percent of cats across the UK have missed out on lifesaving yearly jabs in the past twelve months, neglecting essential vet health checks. These crucial vaccinations come at a cost of £60 to £75 annually.

Top veterinarian Dr James Greenwood highlighted the severity of the situation, remarking: "This research confirms what we as vets encounter every day with our patients - many pets suffer unnecessarily from illnesses that could be easily prevented with a simple annual vaccination."

He urged pet owners, stating: "Vaccinations and regular health assessments not only save lives but can also reduce stress and financial strain for pet owners. Whether pet owners are struggling to understand their options when it comes to vaccinations or are concerned about the cost, I'd always recommend talking to their vet about the treatments on offer as well as the health care plans that are available."

The alarming insights come from a study by MyPet.com, pinpointing that nearly half (43%) of UK pet owners were blindsided by unexpected or emergency vet bills, with costs averaging £970, as a direct consequence of delaying or totally avoiding vet visits (51%) due to fees. The survey canvassed opinions from 2,000 pet guardians.