A VET is appealing to pet owners in Chester to help combat diabetes in pets.
Ben Jones Veterinary Surgery, Saltney, is urging people to participate in a nationwide screening programme to test all cats and dogs for the disease as obesity levels soar.
The Great Pet ‘Pee’ Test campaign aims to get owners to collect a free diabetes test strip from the practice to check their cat or dog and submit the result in an online survey.
Ben Jones said: “By mobilising Chester pet lovers to participate in The Great Pet ‘Pee’ Test campaign we hope our pets will be tested for diabetes and raise awareness of this growing disease.
“With early diagnosis and correct treatment, you can restore the quality of your pet’s life and maintain a healthy lifespan.”
With 65% of pets now estimated to be overweight by the RSPCA, diabetes in animals is on the increase.
Pet owners need to visit the surgery, at 52 High Street, Saltney, during November to pick up a leaflet and test strip, then dip the test strip in their cat or dog’s urine to indicate a positive or negative result.
Owners can log the findings on www.petdiabetesmonth.co.uk.
For each logged result, 10p will be donated to PDSA by the campaign’s organisers, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.
If a positive result is recorded, owners are advised to bring their pet to the practice for a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
Signs that a pet may be at risk include drinking too much water and weight loss.
