Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New study to explore dog owner awareness of separation anxiety
Hannah says that separation anxiety has become more important due to people spending more time at home during lockdown.

Project aims to show how changes in routine can impact a dog's behaviour.

A new study has been launched in a bid to help dog owners better understand separation anxiety.

The project will be led by Hannah Beard, a final year Veterinary Nursing with Small Animal Rehabilitation student at Harper Adams University. 

Hannah launched the project following a placement, where she saw first hand the consequences of separation anxiety and the effect it can have on a dog's behaviour. 

“I saw a lot of owners complain about their animals’ destructive behaviours but instead of understanding, they became frustrated and sometimes thought it was a physical disease rather than a behavioural, treatable condition,” she explained.

“Researching more, and seeing how many animals are relinquished and euthanised each year, astounded me.” 

As well as raising awareness of separation anxiety, Hannah's project aims to show how changes in routine can impact our canine companions - something that Hannah believes has become more important due to people spending more time at home during lockdown.

“Awareness will aid in protecting the owner and canine bond as understanding to aid prevention, is always much better than cure,” she said. 

Hannah is particularly keen to hear from dog owners that have had a disruption to their usual routine. Her survey can be found here and will remain open until the end of February.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."