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Third of owners worried about leaving pets alone after lockdown
Dr Suzanne Moyes has called on pet owners to think about how the lifting of coronavirus restrictions will impact their animals.

Survey highlights pet owner concerns about COVID-19 restrictions lifting.

More than a third of pet owners in the UK (35 per cent) are worried about leaving their pets alone as COVID-19 restrictions lift, according to a recent survey by Burgess Pet Care.

Of the 1,500 responses, 30 per cent of owners noted a change in their pet’s behaviour during the three lockdowns, with 40 per cent noticing changes in their pet’s normal routine.

The pet food manufacturer’s survey also found that 70 per cent of pet owners spent more time with their pets during lockdown. However, just 29 per cent have taken steps to prepare their pet for being left alone.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, veterinary director at Burgess Pet Care, has called on pet owners to think about how the lifting of cornavirus restrictions will impact their animals.

“Separation anxiety in dogs is a recognised and well-documented condition, with symptoms including pacing, panting and chewing items that smell of their owners,” she said.

“However, it’s also important to recognise that for some cats, their world revolves around their human and a sudden increase in time without human company may result in them displaying signs of separation anxiety including over-grooming, starting to spray around the house and an increase in meowing for attention."

Perhaps more reassuringly, the survey found that 33 per cent of pet owners are already thinking about life after lockdown and intend to prepare their pets for this scenario. Dr Moyes urged owners worried about their pets to introduce strategies to help them as soon as possible.

“There are lots of things you can do to make the transition easier for your pet,” she continued. “For dog owners, try a long-lasting treat or puzzle toy, and gradually increase the amount of time you leave them alone. For cats, try praising and rewarding them with a small treat when they’re resting in another room or when they stop meowing for attention.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.