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UK parents struggle with dog and baby
Charities team up to provide advice to owners

A new survey by the Dogs Trust and NCT, has found that 46 per cent of owners struggle to cope with their dog when their new baby arrives.

According to the survey, only 2 per cent of expectant parents considered giving up their dog. When the same question was asked of new parents, however, this figure rose to 17 per cent.

"We are seeing many perfectly happy and well behaved dogs being abandoned at our rehoming centres once their owners become pregnant or a new baby arrives," said Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Dogs Trust chief executive.

The findings also indicated that owners require more information on how to introduce their new baby to their current pet dog.

Of the 1,000 expectant parents surveyed, 18 per cent were advised by family, friends and health professionals to give up their dog before the new arrival. Findings suggest however that very little advice was given and 52 per cent of respondents said they would like more guidance from health professionals.

The Dogs Trust and NCT, the UK's leading charity for parents, have joined forces to produce a "New Baby" fact sheet, which is available on the Dogs Trust website. The leaflet aims to advise dog-owning  parents-to-be of how to prepare for their new arrival.

NCT chief executive Belinda Phillips said: “All parents want the best for their new baby. Some may think this means giving up their dog, but by following some simple steps, new mums and dads can feel more confident about preparing themselves and their pet for their new arrival.”

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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.