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A quarter of puppies rehomed before recommended age
Eight per cent of puppies in the study were acquired without being seen with their mothers.
Dogs Trust reveals preliminary findings from 'Generation Pup' study. 

New research by Dogs Trust has revealed that one-quarter of puppies were rehomed before the recommended minimum age.

Early findings from the pioneering 'Generation Pup' study show that 25 per cent of dog owners got their puppies before eight weeks of age, despite advice that puppies should not leave their mothers before this time.

Furthermore, the findings also reveal that eight per cent of puppies in the study were acquired without being seen with their mothers. The results have been published this week in the journal, Vet Record.

Dr Rachel Casey, Dogs Trust’s director of canine behaviour and research, said: “The recommendation that puppies spend at least eight weeks with their mothers before going off to their new homes is not always followed, as has been shown in this study.

"Through the Generation Pup study, we can investigate the impact that a range of factors including acquisition before eight weeks of age has on the long-term development of puppies.”

She added: “Generation Pup is providing us with huge insights into the early stages of life for puppies and will help us understand how to better advise people who want to get a puppy responsibly and make the best decisions for their long term health and behaviour.”

Generation Pup is a groundbreaking study that follows a generation of puppies throughout their lifetime, investigating factors such as how environment, social interaction, diet and exercise can impact their development in later life.  Researchers hope the results will inform preventative measures that can be put in place or lead to new therapies and treatments for dogs.

Professor Toby Knowles, from Bristol Veterinary School and a member of the Generation Pup team, said “We’re excited to be able to work with Dogs Trust as part of this ground-breaking study. These are the first of many more insightful findings that we hope will be revealed from Generation Pup.”

Dogs Trust is seeking more puppy owners to get involved in the study. If you have a puppy or are soon to get one, visit the Generation Pup website for more details. 

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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.