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A third of pet owners reveal their animals have alerted them to danger
Animals are often affected by poisonous fumes more quickly.
Study reveals pets can save lives

A study by npower on the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning has revealed that a third of pet owners have been warned of danger by their pet.

Two thousand pet owners were surveyed and results show that hazards including fire and carbon monoxide leaks have been detected by their animal companions.

A carbon monoxide leak cannot be smelt, seen or tasted and early symptoms of poisoning commonly include vomiting, excessive tiredness and erratic behaviour. The study revealed that 1 in 10 people are not aware that exposure can be fatal, yet carbon monoxide poisoning causes approximately 50 deaths every year in the UK.

One survey responder commented: “One evening, three years ago, I passed out on the sofa whilst watching television and my seven-year-old Collie licked me non-stop to wake me up. I was able to get up and went out for fresh air in good time. I later found out that the gas fire was giving off high readings of carbon monoxide as was the cooker.”

Further examples from the study of heroic pet action include a dog who barked repeatedly to alert a new parent that their baby was having a convulsion; an owner who was woken from a hypoglycaemic attack; and a pet which became agitated after inhaling carbon monoxide and subsequently made the owner aware of the leak.

When compared to humans, animals are often affected by poisonous fumes more quickly. The smaller the body, the faster the symptoms generally develop.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.