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Pets could ‘promote healthy child development’
child and dog
The impact of pet ownership on self-esteem is at its highest in children aged under six, and in pre-adolescents and adolescents over 10.

New research looks at emotional, educational and cognitive impacts
 
A review of current evidence suggests pet ownership is associated with a range of benefits to emotional health and education in children and adolescents.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool carried out an in-depth review and quality evaluation of studies looking at the influence pets have on emotional, cognitive, behavioural, educational and social development. They found youngsters with pets tended to have greater self-esteem, enhanced social skills, and were less likely to be lonely.

The impact of pet ownership on self-esteem is at its highest in children aged under six, and in pre-adolescents and adolescents over 10, according to their findings, which were published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Commenting on the findings, lead author Rebecca Purewal said: “Generally dogs and cats are deemed to be the best providers of social support, perhaps due to a higher level of interaction and reciprocation in comparison to other pets.

“In both western and non-western cultures pets may act as a form of psychological support, helping youths feel good about themselves and enabling a positive self-image.”

The researchers said there is a shortage of high quality and longitudinal studies in this area and the majority of studies in the review had methodological weaknesses. Future research should address how pet ownership promotes child development, the effects of different pet types and the impact of different pets on psychological, behavioural and social problems.

Co-author Nancy Gee, a WALTHAM researcher, added: “The patterns among sub-populations and age groups suggests that companion animals have the potential to promote healthy child and adolescent development. This is an exciting field of study and there is still much to learn about the processes through which pet ownership may impact healthy child development.”

Image courtesy of freuds

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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.