PDSA says - don't kiss your pet!

The leading veterinary charity is urging pet owners to leave their animals 'out of the action' due to the risks of spreading diseases between pets and people.

National Kissing Day on July 6 is a perfect opportunity to show your loved ones how much they mean to you. However, before showering dogs, cats and other pets with kisses and cuddles, it might be worth 'chewing over' the problems that can occur.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Sean Wensley says: "While kissing a pet or being licked on the face might seem like harmless fun, there are in fact lots of bugs and germs that we can catch from getting too close to our pets. Dogs and cats use their tongues to groom themselves, so contact with a pet's mouth is not a good idea. Putting our face close to theirs can also be quite threatening to some of our pets, and can contribute to them becoming aggressive.

"If you want to show your pet how much you care, it is far better to take them for healthy walks, or play with them using fun, safe, toys."

It's important to remember that the spread of some diseases between pets and their owners can be greatly reduced by worming your pets regularly and making sure that their vaccinations are up-to-date. PDSA offers a range of preventive treatments for pets of eligible clients, including vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and microchipping.

PDSA vets are keen to remind eligible pet owners about the availability of PDSA veterinary care, as they believe many more could benefit from the services on offer. To be eligible for free veterinary care at PDSA PetAid hospitals, pet owners must be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit and live within designated postcode catchment areas. For further information about PDSA PetAid services call 0800 731 2502 or log onto www.pdsa.org.uk.