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BVA Issues Festive Hazards Warning
Vets called upon to warn owners of Christmas dangers.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is asking vets to urge owners to make sure their pets are safe over the Christmas season. Common features of the season, such as certain foods, can be extremely dangerous and Christmas decorations are a common cause of injury or even death.

The BVA is advising that owners keep their pets away from foods which are toxic to them (such as chocolate), and that other potentially hazardous objects (such as electrical cables, Christmas decorations and batteries) should be treated with care.

It is also advised that a pet should be microchipped if the owner  is taking it travelling away from home so that reuniting the pet with the owner can be done easily in event of separation. Furthermore, the upheaval and excitement of Christmas can caused animals to get stressed and nervous, so arranging a quiet safe haven away from all the fuss is also recommended.

Carl Padgett, President of the British Veterinary Association, said:

“Christmas is a time for families and we’re reminding pet owners it’s also time to remember the health and welfare of their animals too. Our message to pet owners is don’t ruin your Christmas through carelessness. The loss or illness of a family pet is devastating but poisoning in the home can be easily avoided.”

1. Substances which can be poisonous to pets include:

Chocolate and liquorice (common Christmas gifts).
Raisins and sultanas (used in Christmas cake recipes).
Certain nuts (especially peanuts and Macadamia nuts).
Xylitol-sweetened foods.
Sweets.
Other foods such as onions, avocados and grapes.
Alcohol.
Plants including lilies (and daffodils).
Cleaning and DIY products e.g. white spirit and lubricating oils.
Car anti-freeze.
Human medicines.

2. Substances with low toxicity that could cause drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea include:

Blu-tack or other similar adhesives (used to put up decorations).
Charcoal and coal.
Cut-flower and houseplant food.
Expended polystyrene foam (used for large present packing eg stereos/TVs).
Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia (common Christmas plants/decorations).
Matches.
Wax candles and crayons.
Silica gel (found in packaging).

Vets and members of the public can request hard copies of the leaflet by emailing bva-awf@bva.co.uk

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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.