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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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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
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.