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Over a quarter 'never restrain dogs in the car'
dog in car
According to Rule 57 of the Highway Code, drivers must make sure dogs and other animals are suitably restrained to reduce the risk of distractions while driving.
Survey highlights injuries due to poor restraint
 
Over a quarter of dog owners say they never restrain their dog in the car, a new survey has revealed. Yet 22 per cent of vets surveyed had witnessed a canine fatality as a result of travelling in a car without proper restraint.

Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) of vets who took part in the survey had treated animals for injuries sustained as a result of poor restraint in the car, ranging from broken bones (39 per cent) to minor injuries such as bruising (33 per cent).

Direct Line Pet Insurance, who carried out the research, asked vets about the safest methods of restraint for dogs. Over half (53 per cent) advocated a dog seat belt and harness, 31 per cent a crate or cage and 13 per cent a barrier between the boot and back seat.

For smaller animals, vets recommended a carrier (67 per cent) or secure basket (31 per cent).

Vets reported seeing a number of dangerous methods being used by owners to restrain animals, including passengers holding animals on their laps, putting them in a cardboard box, letting them roam free in the vehicle or even putting a chain or rope around the animal's neck.

According to Rule 57 of the Highway Code, drivers must make sure dogs and other animals are suitably restrained to reduce the risk of distractions while driving.

Prit Powar, Direct Line's head of pet insurance, commented: "Some owners trust their animals to roam free around the car.  However, even the most well behaved animal can become easily spooked or excited, which could distract you from the road, putting both you and your pet in danger.  It’s important to adhere to the Highway Code to make sure you, your passengers and your pet is safe."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.