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Eighty per cent of Brits buy their dog a Christmas present
Food is one of the most popular ways for pet owners to treat their animals at Christmas.

Survey reveals extent of nation’s pet-pampering habits 

For many pet owners, buying a Christmas treat for their pet is part and parcel of the festive celebrations. But now a new survey by Mars Pet Care and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has revealed the true extent to which the British public pampers its pooches at Christmas.

Some 498 UK dog owners were questioned in the survey, which revealed that 81 per cent will be buying their pet a Christmas present this December. Of these, 40 per cent said they were planning to spend more than £10.00 on their four-legged friend, with 24 per cent admitting to spending more than £20.00.

But when it comes to cats, it appears that felines are not receiving the same treatment. The survey found that 17 per cent of cat owners who celebrate Christmas would not be spending more than £10 on their pet. This is compared to 31 per cent who claimed they would not be buying their cat anything at all.

“The UK is renowned for being a nation of animal lovers, so it’s no surprise that people want to treat their pets at Christmas,” said Gosia Faras, corporate affairs director at Mars PetCare UK. “Pets really are part of the family, with 64 per cent of owners wanting to include their pet in their seasonal celebrations.

“But it’s not just pet owners – at Christmas 21 per cent of pet seasonal sales are bought by non-pet owners who want to treat the pets of family and friends.”

The study found that one of the most popular ways for pet owners to treat their animals at Christmas is with food. Almost three-quarters of respondents (72 per cent) revealed they had given their dog turkey from their Christmas meal.

The finding has prompted Battersea to publish a reminder to the public that certain ‘human foods’ pose a threat to their animals’ health.

“Alcohol, chocolate, onions and some cheeses are all part of a long list of things that can be toxic for dogs and cats, along with raisins which we know are in many festive favourites like mince pies and Christmas cake,” said Battersea veterinary surgeon Claire Turner.

“While titbits from the Christmas plate may have them licking their lips, we would always recommend giving your dog or cat a treat that’s been specifically designed for them, so you know it’s formulated for their needs.”

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

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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.