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Dogs Trust launches 'Chocs Away' awareness drive
Campaign to raise awareness on dangers of chocolate

The Dogs Trust has launched an awareness drive to prevent pet owners feeding their dogs chocolate intended for human consumption over Easter. In light of the increased availability of chocolate during the Easter period, vets are reminded to be alert for symptoms of vomiting (containing blood), a sore abdomen, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, rapid heart rate and, in severe cases, epileptic-type fits.

Clairfying the dangers involved to canine health, Dogs Trust Veterinary Director Paula Boyden said “Chocolate contains theobromine, which, although tolerated by humans, is extremely toxic to man’s best friend. The darker the chocolate, the greater the amount of theobromine. Toxic doses vary according to the size of dog and cocoa solid content of the chocolate. As a rough guide, Dogs Trust estimates that 50g of plain chocolate could be enough to kill a small dog, such as a Yorkshire Terrier, while just 400g could be enough to kill an average size dog.”

A survey conducted by the Dogs Trust found that 57% of pet dogs had eaten chocolate intended for humans and that 10% of those that did so subsequently became ill. Of this sample, nearly a quarter required urgent veterinary treatment and nearly 8% died. The same survey found that 39% of the dogs that ate chocolate did so after being given it by their owners and 61% found it themselves as a result of improper storage.

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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.