American XL Bully dogs added to banned list
American XL Bully dogs will be added to the banned list in the UK from 31 December, the government has announced. Owners have until 31 January 2024 to register their dogs should they wish to keep them. From 31 December 2023, it will be illegal to breed, advertise, sell, abandon or rehome an XL bully […]
Promising canine epilepsy treatment trial underway
While still in its early stages, a new trial for treating epilepsy in canines is showing promising signs. However, researchers at the University of Glasgow have said they need more participants to take part in the study. Findings have been described as “very exciting” thus far. How does the treatment work? […]
AI to help improve Johne’s Disease detection
The diagnostics testing firm MI:RNA has recently introduced an innovative AI-enhanced testing approach designed for the early identification of Johne’s disease. Initial data has shown the technology to have a 73% sensitivity rate, as well as 71% accuracy score when it comes to detecting the infection. With more research, it is hoped that these figures […]
Government bans XL bully dogs in the UK: what you need to tell pet owners
On Friday 15 September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to ban American XL bully dogs by the end of 2023. While we are still awaiting further details, you may be wondering what this means for your clients. In this blog, we share everything we know so far and offer guidance on how to reassure owners […]
Despite a drop in applications, UK veterinary schools remain ‘oversubscribed’
The Veterinary Schools Council (VSC) have said UK veterinary schools remain ‘oversubscribed’ despite a drop in applications. While admission figures suggest people are losing interest in the veterinary field, the VCA argues the data available portrays a skewed version of reality. The organisational body is also working to improve its ‘unhelpful’ communication around […]
Puppy yoga: not as cute as it sounds
Puppy yoga has recently garnered criticism due to concerns regarding the welfare and stress levels of the puppies involved. While the intention behind combining yoga and puppies is often to create a joyful and relaxing atmosphere, the reality can be quite different. How does puppy yoga harm the welfare of puppies? Some of the puppies […]
Push for ban on electronic shock collars
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging vets to call on their MPs over the planned ban on electric shock collars. While measures have been agreed by the House of Lords, the ban must still be approved by MPs. Hence, the BVA is pushing for vets to put pressure on their local MPs to ensure […]
Post-pandemic behavioural problems in puppies and dogs: useful information for vets
You may have heard of the pandemic puppy boom, but what about the changes in behavioural problems? In this blog, we discuss the key takeaways from clinical animal behaviourist Loni Loftus’ research into post-pandemic behaviour in dogs. Key findings: Social interaction problems The report highlights social interaction problems in dogs and puppies […]
Could this drug help dogs live longer?
The drug rapamycin could help dogs live longer, studies suggest. Researchers at the Dog Aging Project are testing the effects of rapamycin – a pill originally manufactured to treat humans following organ transplants – on dogs to see if it has the potential to increase their life expectancy. The drug works by suppressing the immune […]
Are you at risk of contracting a super-bug from your pet? Everything you need to know…
Your healthy pets could be passing on multidrug-resistant organisms, new research finds. Humans could also be transmitting these harmful microbes to their pets. Samples were taken from more than 28,000 pets whose owners had been hospitalised. Of these pets, 5% of cats tested positive for at least one multidrug-resistant organism. The study was led by […]