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Dechra launches new sedative for dogs
The sedative offers reduced cardiovasculat side effects.

New product promises rapid onset and recovery.

A new sedation medication for dogs has been launched by Dechra, named Zenalpha.

Zenalpha is an alpha-2 agonist and peripheral antagonist combination, which alleviates the stress of sedation.

The medication provides restraint, sedation and analgesia during procedures that are non-invasive, non-painful or mildly painful, which last for less than 30 minutes.

With rapid onset and recovery, it allows for veterinary surgeons to start procedures quickly, and for patients to recover faster. 

Zenalpha is administered intramuscularly and takes five to 15 minutes to take effect. 

Brand manager at Dechra, Claire Westoby, commented: “With an ever-growing range of products for anaesthesia and analgesia, we are delighted to add Zenalpha to our extensive portfolio.

"The next generation of alpha-2 agonists have evolved to provide the same effective and reliable sedation and analgesia, but with reduced cardiovascular side effects and a reduced chance of vomiting.  

“This improves the sedation experience for the canine patient, as well as reducing the associated stress commonly experienced by veterinary teams and dog owners.”

Matt Gurney BVSc CertVA PgCertVBM DipECVAA FRCVS RCVS and EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia, explained: “Zenalpha not only provides a solution to cases where IV placement is not possible and a rapid onset IM option is required, but it also offers a rapid and complete recovery which ensures that dogs can be reunited with their owners and return home as soon as possible.”

Further information on Zenalpha can be found on the Dechra website at Dechra.co.uk/zenalpha or by contacting a local Dechra territory manager.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com