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Why some dogs are walked more often - study
dog walking
Motivating factors were a belief that it keeps the dog healthy, a strong relationship with or attachment to the dog and a feeling that the dog enjoys walks.
Researchers explore why some owners are more motivated
 
A new study has shed light on why some dog owners feel more motivated to walk their dogs than others.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool and the University of Western Australia explored the demographics and behavioural factors that give owners a strong sense of encouragement and motivation from their dog - which was referred to as 'the Lassie effect'.

Looking at data from 629 dog owners in the 10-year RESIDE study, researchers analysed the results of two survey outcomes - dog encouragement ('how often my dog encouraged me to go walking in the last month') and dog motivation ('having a dog makes me walk more').

Owners with large dogs were found to be more motivated to walk them. Other motivating factors were a belief that it keeps the dog healthy, a strong relationship with or attachment to the dog and a feeling that the dog enjoys walks.

Owners were less motivated to walk their dog if they perceived them to be too old or sick, or if other family members usually walked the dog.

Researchers say the findings could help to inform future interventions to increase physical activity in people and pets.

The full study has been published in BMC Public Health: http://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-016-3660-2

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.