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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th December 2013
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Worrying number of pets get into Christmas scrapes
Survey estimates nearly a quarter of owners serve unsuitable food

Results from a recent survey carried out by the RSPCA have revealed nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of owners plan to dish up a Christmas dinner for their pets.

Owners taking part in the survey also reported a number of other scrapes their pets had got into over Christmas. The most common of these was opening or destroying Christmas presents (31 per cent).

Just over a quarter of owners said their pet had pulled down the Christmas tree, while 17 per cent reported their pet had eaten Christmas decorations.

Other incidents included a cat chewing through the wire for the Christmas lights and a dog that chewed a mini computer when it was delivered.

According to Craig Osbourne from RSPCA Newbrook Farm, staff treated 37 animals between Chrtismas Eve and Boxing Day last year, including a kitten that had swallowed tinsel.

He said: "We often get cases of dogs and cats swallowing bones or squeakers from toys and if they are unable to pass foreign bodies such as those mentioned this can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. Some require hospitalisation and some have serious complications that they require life saving surgery."

Craig warned owners not to leave presents containing chocolate within easy reach of pets - a lesson he had to learn the hard way when his 12-month-old rescue dog Carly ate a large box of chocolates left under the Christmas tree. He said: "Thankfully, though she spent most of the next 48 hours with vomiting and diarrhoea, made a full recovery and we never made that mistake again."

Staff at the Harmsworth Hospital in London will be caring for up to 120 animals already being cared for at the hospital, as well as any emergencies. Clinical director Seb Prior said: "Boxing day is typically very busy after the excess of Christmas. Last year we had 10 new emergencies; two cats had blocked bladders, a condition which is exacerbated by stress.

"Often owners don’t realise the impact that lots of visitors or unusual people on our feline friends but it can be very stressful for them to have changes in their environment and this can have an impact on their health. So making sure they have places to hide or get away from things is important."

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.