Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th April 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Preventing dog bites through education
Anne McBride
Anne McBride spoke at BSAVA Congress.

Dog-related injuries have risen significantly in recent years

During a talk on dog bite prevention at the BSAVA Congress, Anne McBride, a practicing animal behaviour therapist, discussed the importance of educating dog owners about their responsibility for their pets' behaviour.

Anne's lecture outlined why people are bitten by dogs, and the steps that veterinary practices can implement to enable both dog owners and non-owners to prevent incidents.

There has been a significant increase in dog related injuries over the last 10 years - largely due to owners receiving irresponsible advice. Although some of the injuries were caused by biting, many were caused by dogs knocking people over and jumping up at guests - illustrating that dogs do not have to be aggressive to be considered dangerously out of control.

All those involved with the upbringing and training of a dog are responsible for its behaviour, said Anne. However, veterinary professionals are in a particularly good position to educate owners.

But to educate owners, vets must have knowledge of dog behaviour, how dogs learn and how physical factors, such as pain, can affect behaviour. They should also ensure that owners are alerted to the legal implications of dog ownership - explaining what they are, why they exist and the potential outcomes if they do not comply.

During the lecture, Anne pointed out a number of ways that vets can educate their clients:

  • Making owners aware of the most basic commands.  Come, leave, walk to heal and off lead, sit, down, wait and relax - a dog should be able to carry out all of these commands in a variety of environments.
  • Advise owners about what to consider when choosing the right breed for their lifestyle.
  • Encourage owners to see and handle the bitch and sire before they purchase a puppy.
  • Explain why dogs have teeth (prevention relies on understanding).
  • Teach clients to socialise their dogs with a wide range of other dogs and people.
  • Display posters in waiting rooms sugesting how owners can prevent accidents (e.g. when dogs start to play in the park, move away from the path to the grass).
  • Advise on appropriate leads, appropriate muzzles and appropriate training.
     
If you do not have the appropriate knowledge, then it is best to refer to somebody who does, stressed Anne. "Give appropriate advice, or refer on!" A good knowledge of local training classes and their methods is good to have in this respect.

For more information about dog bite prevention, visit www.doggonesafe.com

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.