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Survey reveals top things vets wished all pet owners knew
More than one in five veterinary professionals said the top thing they wished they wished their client knew about their pet was diet related.

Findings kick-start National Pet Month

A new survey of vets and nurses across the UK has revealed the most frequent things veterinary professionals wished all pet owners knew.

Coming in at number one is recognising when a pet is overweight. More than one in five veterinary professionals said the top thing they wished they wished their client knew about their pet was diet related.

Suggestions ranged from considering “Am I feeding them the right food?” to “Pets need a lot less food than we think!”

More than 500 vets and nurses took part in the survey, which was conducted by the Veterinary Animal Welfare Coalition. Made up of leading veterinary organisations and vet-led charities, the Coalition aims to help pet owners better understand their pets’ five welfare needs.

Covering a wide variety of pet care issues, the answers fell in a variety of different themes. Topping the list of things veterinary professionals wished all pet owners knew are:

  • How to recognise when your animal is overweight
  • That flat-faced breeds suffer lots of health and welfare issues
  • How to recognise signs that your animal is in pain
  • You have a responsibility to care for your pet properly and follow the five animal welfare needs
  • That your veterinary team is the best place to go to for advice on all areas of pet care, including what may be the most suitable pet for you
“Every owner loves their pet; however, the vet team often see animals with problems that could be avoided,” commented Gudrun Ravetz, president of the BVA. “Vets and vet nurses are invaluable sources for pet care information with years of training and experience under their belts, and will be more than happy to answer any queries or concerns owners may have about their pets.”

Throughout National Pet Month (1 April - 1 May 2017), the Veterinary Animal Welfare Coalition - The BVA, BVNA, BSAVA. BVZS, Blue Cross, PDSA and RSPCA - will be tweeting the various things vets and nurses wish owners knew with the hashtag #Wewishyouknew.

“People bring their pets to the veterinary practice when they are sick, however, what they also do not realise is that the Veterinary team can also provide a lot of advice for keeping pets healthy too,” said Samantha Morgan, president of the BVNA.  “From diet and exercise to flea and worming treatments, veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons have the knowledge to keep pets happy.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.