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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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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.