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Senior dog owners wanted for Old Age Pets project
The project aims to bring significant improvement to the quality of life for senior dogs.
Findings will inform the development of a ‘Canine Ageing and Wellbeing’ tool.

Senior dog owners are being encouraged to take part in a project aimed at helping veterinary professionals and owners provide the best care for their pets.

The Old Age Pets project, which aims to bring significant improvement to the quality of life for senior pets, is being funded by research organisation Petsavers, the charitable arm of the BSAVA.

University of Liverpool researcher Lisa Wallis is calling on senior dog owners to submit a photo or video of their pet, along with brief notes about what it is like to live with and care for an older dog.

The findings will be used to support the development of a ‘Canine Ageing and Wellbeing’ tool for use in veterinary practice, to allow for the early detection of health problems.

Ms Wallis said that she is particularly passionate about the project because her dog, a nine-year-old husky called Talie, is starting to show signs of ageing.

She explained: “Talie has osteochondrosis (a bone growth disorder), caused by an attack from another dog. He also has food allergies and a perineal hernia but because I am aware of his conditions, I am able to manage them and help him age gracefully.

“This project is so important because it will help owners to distinguish between the signs of serious age-related diseases and normal age-related changes in our dogs. Early preventative care can bring significant improvement to the quality of life of senior pets and the dog-owner relationship.”

Ms Wallis is calling on any UK residents who currently or recently live with senior dog/s of any breed or health status to take part in the project. The team will then analyse the submitted content for common themes.

For more information about the project and to get involved, visit the PetSavers website. Data collection will close on Friday 31 July. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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