Do not buy pets, especially dogs, from street hawkers - Veterinary doctor cautions public

A veterinary doctor, Dr Akosua Kumi Nyarko, has cautioned the public to stop buying pets, especially dogs from street hawkers.

She emphasised that many of the animals hawked on the streets are often stressed, weak, and unvaccinated making them susceptible to many diseases, according to a report by graphic.com.gh.

"Veterinarians, including myself, would not recommend buying a pet from the street. These animals often endure long hours in the sun and harsh weather, are cramped in cages, poorly fed, not vaccinated, harbour undetected viruses and are not properly groomed. I have seen many animals bought from the roadside admitted to our hospital with serious illnesses within a few days. It is not a good sight to behold,” she said.

She also urged pet owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against preventable diseases.

"For dogs, there is the Canine Distemper Hepatitis Leptospirosis Parainfluenza Parvovirus enteritis (DHLPP) vaccine, which protects against all deadly viral diseases. This vaccine is given at six weeks, eight weeks, and 12 weeks old, and then repeated every year," she explained.

JKB/EB

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