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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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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...
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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.