Diary 6 3 09

Vet Joe Inglis visits Crufts 2009 and records his thoughts on the issues surrounding pedigree dogs and the recent BBC documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Crufts
• dog
• pedigree
• Joe
• Inglis
• vet
• breeding

[Isabelutube]

But you did go! So much for your convictions or is it more to do with the stand fees during a recession?

[1791em]

I completely agree with you. I've been put off going to crufts after hearing about the health troubles of certain breeds, it's a shame.

[cawrighty]

I agree with your comments about the Pedigree dog and its great to hear that finally people are learning about what really goes on in the showing world. Surely the dogs welfare comes first but often this is forgotten when money is involved.

Nice one Joe.

[jantharra]

My point was to make blanket statements cannot truly capture all the facts of the matter was all.

Of my 3 dogs, 2 enjoy shows, 1 of them doesn't and therefore she no longer competes. She is miserable in that situation and I will not put her through it, as her welfare is more important to me than a bit of card. The others love prancing around the ring, are fit and healthy in mind and body. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don't but we have a nice day, with the dogs by my side whatever

[joethevet]

All the current evidence supports annual vaccination for leptospirosis and kennel cough, with the other major diseases including parvovirus and distemper requiring vaccination every 3 years.

[A8FFE]

Please read my post. I did not say vaccinations are unnecessary I said annual vaccinations are unnecessay which is absolutly true.

[joethevet]

Your comment on vaccinations says it all really - if you think that vaccinations, which have saved countless lives over the last few decades and continue to do so, are unneccessary, then that shows both your ignorance and lack of care.

[A8FFE]

Exploitation coming from the mouth of a vet is surely a joke, just like encouraging all new owners to have their pets neutered at a very early age, and annual vaccinations that are really not necessary... Exploitation of dogs for showing I think not.

My dogs have always got really excited after being bathed and readily jumped in the car knowing they were going to a show, so yes I think if they had the choice they would volunteer to be shown

[joethevet]

If you really think that any dog in its right mind would volunteer to be showed, you obviously don't understand dogs - all a dog wants is a loving companion, exercise and food, and showing is a form of exploitation.

[joethevet]

It's a good point and I agree that some vets are very much guilty of overcharging and taking advantage of insured pets - but I also beleive that the majority are honest and have their patient's welfare as their number one priority.

The situation in showing is very different as by its very nature, the priority has to be the looks of the animal and the owner's glory.