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BVA highlights seasonal pet hazards
Owners reminded of poisons at Christmas

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to be aware of unknown hazards and poisons around the home during the Christmas season.

Earlier in December, numerous animal welfare organisations, including BVA, urged a supermarket to remove its advertisement that showed a child feeding a dog Christmas pudding.

This has led the association to highlight the common seasonal hazards to pets.

"Christmas pudding, Christmas cake and mince pies - because they contain raisins or sultanas - are potentially harmful to pets and in some cases can lead to kidney failure," said the BVA.

"There are several other substances toxic to pets which are found in the home during the Christmas period. Chocolate is one of the most common causes of poisoning, especially in dogs, but it is also toxic to other species, for example cats, rodents and rabbits."
 
It continues: "As well as raisins and sultanas, other hazardous items include grapes; sweets and liquorice which are often given as Christmas gifts; onions and garlic, so beware of onion gravy and sage and onion stuffing; unshelled nuts and turkey bones can become stuck in the digestive system; Blu-tack used to put up cards and decorations; and antifreeze, which is often used in the winter months, so remember to mop up any spillages."

BVA adds that electrical cables powering Christmas lights, wrapping and bows from presents, small toys, and batteries can all be very dangerous if chewed.

Peter Jones, BVA president, said: "Our message to pet owners is to forget festive food for four-legged friends and 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."

The association adds that owners should double check their vet's holiday opening hours and emergency cover provision just in case.

In addition, BVA's charity, Animal Welfare Foundation, has produced a leaflet titled Pets as Poisons, which explains dangerous household and garden substances to pets.

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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.