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Dogs "in tune" with humans
New research suggests why dogs are empathetic

It is thought that dogs can empathise with all humans - even those they don't know - according to a study published in the Animal Cognition journal.

The experiments showed empathy towards humans from the majority of dogs. For example when people pretended to cry, dogs would usually offer comfort by licking and nuzzling them.

Colleagues from the Department of Psychology at the University of London Goldsmiths College, Deborah Custance and Jennifer Mayer, used 18 pet dogs of different ages and breeds for their study. The humans were both owners and strangers.

Another recent study, published in PLoS ONE showed that dogs play very close attention to human signals. This study looked at their brain activity when watching people.

According to the publications, it is possible that the rewards dogs receive when approaching distressed humans has been hardwired into the species during their domestication. For this reason, dog are now "in tune" with us.

Custance said: "I think there is good reason to suspect dogs would be more sensitive to human emotion than other species. We have selectively bred them to act as our companions."

Custance and Mayer hope to next study how empathetic wolves may be.

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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.