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Pet-owning households rise by 600,000
Households with both children and dogs now number 2.3 million - an upswing of 11 per cent.
Increase in dog ownership ‘driven by families’ - PFMA

The number of pet-owning households in the UK has risen by 600,000 this year, according to new figures from the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).

Based on interviews with 8,000 households, PFMA estimates that nearly half of UK households now own a pet (45 per cent), equating to a total of 13 million households.

Over a quarter (26 per cent) own a dog, which is 300,000 more than the previous survey and brings the UK dog population up to nine million.

It is appears that the rise in dog ownership is driven by families, as households with both children and dogs now number 2.3 million - an upswing of 11 per cent.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “We have long known that dogs are man’s best friend and it is positive to see an increase in the number of households with children also sharing their lives with dogs.

“Owning a dog can have so many benefits for families and our hugely successful Be Dog Smart campaign is packed full of advice and information to ensure this harmonious relationship continues.”

Cats have also seen a spike in popularity, with eight million now being kept as pets - the highest level in five years. Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of households own a cat, the figures suggest.

The top 10 pets are:
  • Dogs - nine million
  • Cats - eight million
  • Rabbits - 900,000
  • Indoor birds - 500,000
  • Domestic fowl - 500,000
  • Guinea pigs - 400,000
  • Hamsters - 300,000
  • Tortoises and turtles - 300,000
  • Lizards - 200,000
  • Snakes - 200,000

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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.