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Owners and dogs get fit together
Image: Rosemary Conley CBE
Weight loss competition encourages longer walks

The Kennel Club (KC) has teamed up with Rosemary Conley, a health and fitness expert, to launch its "Get Fit With Fido" challenge that asks owners to get fit with their dogs.

Get Fit With Fido runs from now to July 15, and will reward the dog and owner that jointly lose the most weight, as well as the dog and dog owner that individually lose the most weight.

Helping to inspire owners, a free information pack has been uploaded to the KC website, which provides exciting activities, exercises and walks that owners can enjoy with their dogs.

Prizes include a makeover and a photoshoot with Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs, tickets for the KC's Crufts and Discover Dogs events and a £100 Lintbells online discount voucher.

Last year's winner, Lara Robbins, said she had tried every type of diet with no result. However, she lost six stone by walking her dogs and taking part in agility training with the help of the challenge.

"I entered the Kennel Club's Get Fit With Fido competition as an incentive to help me lose weight and push me towards my goal," she said. "Since losing the weight I haven't had any of the back or ankle problems I had previously been suffering with, and my health has improved dramatically.

"Having the dogs has changed my life."

Previous research by the KC has proved that one in four dogs are overweight as a result of their owners' inactive lifestyle, and further studies have found that a fifth of dogs don't get their required daily walk, according to the KC.

Rosemary Conley commented: "Statistics from the NHS show that over 60 per cent of adults in the UK are overweight or obese, highlighting the need for action. People are not getting the exercise that they need but a small change can make a huge difference.

"Dogs can be great fitness partners for those trying to lose weight and by simply increasing the length of walks, owners and dogs can impure their health and fitness together."

Click here for more information and to join in with the Get Fit With Fido challenge.

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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.