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Dogs have been a ‘lifeline’ for owners during lockdown, research reveals
More than a third of owners surveyed said that having a dog by their side during the pandemic made them less anxious.

Pets provide comfort and routine during time of crisis

New data from The Kennel Club has shown that dogs have helped to reduce loneliness and improve owner’s mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The research, carried out in July 2020, revealed that long-term were comforted by their pets during stressful periods, with 91 per cent of respondents said that their dog had had a positive impact on their mental health.

Respondents generally agreed that having a dog helped them to stay active and get out of the house. Almost one in three people (32 per cent) said that having a dog provided them with a routine whilst spending more time at home.

“Being a dog owner supports self-care,” said Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club. “Taking a dog out for a walk encourages social interaction and provides motivation to get outdoors and be active, and this may be the only social contact, exercise or activity an isolated, lonely or anxious person has the whole day.”

Almost half of the respondents said that their dog had helped them feel calmer and less lonely, and many agreed that spending more time with their dog was the most positive effect that lockdown had on their lives.

Sixty-one per cent of people surveyed said that their dog was a ‘lifeline in lockdown’ and that, in general, they found more comfort in their dog than in humans.

Mr Lambert continued: “Being needed by our four-legged friend can be a lifeline when getting through each day is hard and sometimes human support doesn’t hit the mark.

As we continue to face a global pandemic and the psychological stresses that brings with it, this unique support that dogs provide to their owners is now more important than ever. In a world full of chaos, man’s best friend is certainly living up to its name.”

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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.