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Fireworks and loud noises top list of dogs’ biggest fears
Guide Dogs has put together advice for pet owners ahead of Bonfire Night.
Guide Dogs issues advice for pet owners ahead of Bonfire Night

More than a quarter of pet owners say their dog’s biggest fears are fireworks and loud noises, according to new research.

More than 32,000 people were surveyed in the Guide Dogs’ Great British Dogs Survey. Of these, 8,473 people said their dogs were more scared of fireworks than being left alone or going to the vet.

In light of its findings, Guide Dogs has put together advice for pet owners ahead of Bonfire Night, which includes looking out for the warning signs of stress, getting dogs used to the noise and making dogs relaxed on the day.

Guide Dogs volunteer Sophie Vann, uffered her own negative fireworks experience last year while walking her one-year-old guide dog puppy, Vixen.  
 
Sophie said: “I was out for a walk with my partner when a firework was thrown into an underpass we were heading through. The noise scared the life out of us, especially Vixen. She wasn’t herself for a few months after.”

Sophie explained that it took about three months of careful training to get Vixen used to loud noises again and that she was already thinking about this year’s fireworks back in July.

“It’s all about building layers of confidence. Since the incident, I prepare for fireworks season early and start by playing a fireworks playlist on my computer in the weeks and months leading up to it,” she said. “Gradually I increase the volume, but I’m careful to ensure this is done gently to avoid making Vixen feel anxious.

“As for Bonfire Night itself, I’ll make sure she gets fed earlier, so that she can go out in the garden before the fireworks start. I’ll also move her bed away from the backdoor so that she can’t see the flashes. Vixen is going to be a guide dog mum in the future so I have to make sure she’s as comfortable as possible.” 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.