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Puppies sought for University of Lincoln pheromone study
Puppies will be required to wear a collar until they are six months old, with a new collar sent monthly to the owner's home.

Trial to examine effect of pheromone collars on behaviour

The University of Lincoln and Ceva Animal Health are searching for puppy owners to take part in a study into puppy behaviour and the effect of a pheromone collar on puppy development.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to examine whether the pheromone collar can help to curb the development of certain behaviours in puppies which could be problematic.

The study is open to puppies less than 12 weeks of age. Puppies will be required to wear a collar until they are six months old, with a new collar sent monthly to the owner’s home. Owners will be asked to fill in a simple check sheet on their puppy’s behaviour every month.

Participants who complete all of their questionnaires will receive a canine health and welfare goodies pack from Ceva Animal Health and will be entered into a draw to win an iPad.

A marketing pack is available to raise awareness of the study, including a waiting room poster, owner leaflets and a social media post. The University of Lincoln is providing veterinary professionals with a £10 voucher for every successful sign up to the trial.

For more information on the study, please email the University of Lincoln at puppydevelopment@lincoln.ac.uk.

Image (c) Ceva Animal Health.

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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.