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Rise in vets treating small furries for heat-related conditions
Two-thirds of vets saw animals requiring treatment for hot weather-related conditions last summer.
BVA reminds owners to protect small furries from soaring temperatures

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has reported an increase in the number of companion animal vets treating smaller pets for heat-related conditions.

Figures from the BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey found that almost two-thirds of vets (64%) saw animals requiring treatment for conditions relating to hot weather in 2018 - a figure significantly higher than in previous years, with 48 per cent reporting in 2016 and 40 per cent in 2015.

In light of the recent heatwave, the BVA is reminding pet owners to protect small furries from soaring temperatures by keeping them away from direct sunlight and with plenty of fresh water.

BVA junior vice president, Daniella Dos Santos said: “We all know how important it is to stay cool and hydrated in hot weather. Pets can really suffer in such high temperatures and we should not forget that small furries will need help to cope.
 
“In the wild, rabbits and guinea pigs would hide away during the hottest points of the day and feed in the mornings or evening. It is up to owners to help protect pets from extreme temperatures so remembering to provide shade and plenty of fresh water as well as keeping hutches and cages out of direct sunlight and well.”

The BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey also reveals that 54 per cent of vets saw multiple cases last summer of animals requiring treatment owing to hot weather, with one in five vets (20%) reporting more than six such cases.

Vets working in companion animal practice or mixed practice were most likely to have treated dogs for heat-related conditions (64% and 66% respectively), with smaller but significant numbers of companion animal vets having seen cases in rabbits (15%) and cats (11%). 

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
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BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'