On the last Saturday of April, the world dedicates one day to the silent guardians of animal health: The veterinarians. Although their work is given between consultations and diagnoses, its influence transcends the walls of the clinics. In Argentinawhere pets are more than simple companions, His role has evolved to become a welfare pillar not only physical, but emotional.
Today the world celebrates the World Veterinary Daya date established in 2000 by the World Veterinary Association (AMV) in collaboration with the World Animal Health Organization (OMSA). This day seeks to highlight the essential work of veterinarians, not only in the care of pets, but also in their impact on the public and emotional health of families.
As reported by a recent analysis, the relationship between people and their pets has evolved significantly, consolidating veterinarians as key figures in everyday life.
In Argentina, where 8 out of 10 people live with at least one pet, The link between humans and animals is especially strong. This bond is reflected in the growing commitment of the tutors to the well -being of their four -legged companions.
According to data from the Kantar report, 87% of the tutors acquire balanced food for their pets, 68% meet the vaccination calendar and more than half perform regular deworming against fleas and ticks. In addition, 7 out of 10 people who have pets consult the veterinarian at least once in the last year, a trend that increases between men over 35 years of age and in regions outside the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA).
It is in this context that the work of veterinarians transcends the individual care of pets and extends to public health. According to the Veterinary Medicine Society of the Argentine Republic, in urban areas such as CABA, there are already more dogs than children under 10 years, which underlines the importance of an articulated approach between professionals, health authorities and civil society to prevent Zoonotic diseases
One of the most relevant, according to the World Health Organization, is rage, which remains a global threat, with 99% of the cases transmitted from animals to humans, affecting mainly to children between 5 and 14 years.
Although in Argentina there are no official national figures on antirrabic vaccination, Some provinces have reported significant advances thanks to veterinary campaigns. In Chubut, For example, More than 18,000 vaccines were applied in 2024, Duplicating the figures of 2021. In Saltathey were distributed 150,000 doses to municipal campaigns, while in VEnado Tuerto, Santa Fe, They were administered More than 2,500 vaccines in a single day. These figures reflect the commitment of veterinarians, although their success also depends on the responsibility of the tutors to guarantee the protection of their pets.
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Preventive care is essential to guarantee the health and well -being of pets. According to Walter Comas, veterinarian and director of the company area of MSD Animal Health in Argentina, There are basic measures that every guardian should follow. Among them, he stands out The importance of maintaining the vaccination calendar per day, including the anti -rabies vacciney Perform internal and external deworming according to the veterinarian recommendations. He also emphasized the need to avoid self -medication and always resort to a professional in the face of any doubt.
Besides, The castration or sterilization of pets is a recommended practice not only to control the animal population, but also to prevent health problems. Comas pointed out that there are cheaper and more effective options for parasites control, such as tablets that provide protection for 12 weeks, an alternative that can be more accessible than monthly treatments.
Several international studies have shown that pets have a positive impact on people’s mental health. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Association of Veterinary Medicine (AVMA), EL 84% of pet owners said that their animals contribute significantly to their emotional well -being. This data highlights the role of veterinarians as allies in the construction of a healthy link between humans and animals.
In this context, Fabiano Hideto Ikejiri, general director of MSD Animal Health, stressed that veterinarians not only take care of the physical health of pets, but also have a direct impact on people’s emotional and social health. According to Ikejiri, In a country like Argentina, that leads in the number of pets in Latin America, Recognizing the work of veterinarians is essential to assess the contribution of domestic animals to daily life.
Within the framework of the ** World Veterinary Day **, the importance of these professionals in the construction of a healthier society is highlighted. Each consultation, vaccine and recommendation not only protects animals, but also strengthens ties between species and contributes to general well -being. In a world where pets are increasingly considered family members, the role of the veterinarian is consolidated as an essential pillar to guarantee everyone’s health and happiness.
The survey made by Kantar Division Insights showed interesting data on the relationship of Argentines with their pets. According to the study, 75% of respondents consider their pet as a child, an especially common perception among women. In addition, the 64% of pet owners opted for adoption as a way of incorporating an animal into their homewhile the 28% received their pet as a gift.
As for preferences, 78% of the owners have dogs, while 51% have cats. However, there is a downward trend in the possession of dogs, with a decrease of 6 percentage points between 2017 and 2024.
On the other hand, cat possession is more common among women, with 57% compared to 44% of men.
