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UK’s Dogs Help Break the Ice
A recent UK-wide survey of over 1,000 dog owners found that 81% of respondents find their dog the ideal ice breaker when meeting new people.

61% of those surveyed stated that they feel more confident when approaching a potential partner when they’re out walking their canine companion.
 
Most respondents felt their dog gave them more confidence with potential partners because it made them seem more sociable (32%) and caring (30%).
 
And despite what some people say, dogs are very well-behaved on dates with only 14% of those questioned confessing to embarrassing incidents caused by their dog. And of these, the majority found inappropriate sniffing to be the number one situation which caused red faces all round.
 
TV vet Matt Brash said: “Dogs, like humans, are very sociable animals whose natural instinct is to hunt in packs, so dogs are always going to be interested in other dogs when out walking and this will naturally prompt conversations and bonding between their owners. Research has shown that owners can actually look like their dogs, and this could be a further reason for owners who already have a common interest to be attracted to each other.
 
“It’s heartening to think that romances could blossom across the country thanks to the confidence boost owners get from man’s (& woman’s!) best friend,” concludes Matt.
 

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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.