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Battersea issues guidance on separation anxiety
"There are steps every owner can start taking now to ease this anxiety" - Ali Taylor, Battersea.
Advice to help pets cope with owners' post-lockdown routines.

Animal welfare charity Battersea has issued new guidance for pet owners to help cat and dogs cope with separation anxiety and everyday routines post-lockdown.

With many pet owners returning to work, Battersea says that it has issued the advice to make the transition 'as smooth as possible' for the nation's pets.

Ali Taylor, head of canine behaviour at Battersea commented: “As pets across the country have adjusted to having their owners at home 24/7, some dogs and cats may find it distressing to spend more time alone. While dogs are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety, cats can also find it stressful when their routine changes suddenly.

“There are steps every owner can start taking now to ease this anxiety and Battersea is always available for advice if you need more help.”

The charity advises owners who are currently working at home to begin working in a different room from their pet, and to set their alarm for the same time they would normally would go to work.

'When you go to your desk to start work, give your dog or cat any toys and treats you normally would when you leave the house,' Battersea writes. 'If you haven’t been utilising enrichment toys previously, now is the ideal time to give them a try – puzzle feeders are great at keeping both dogs and cats mentally stimulated.'

The charity has also recorded a video on separation anxiety which can be found here.

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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.