Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th December 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Presents for pets bring most Christmas cheer
Pet owners prefer buying gifts for pets over partners

A survey has revealed that seven in 10 dog owners claim they get more enjoyment from buying gifts for their pets than for their friends and family.

Seventeen per cent of the 1,132 dog owners questioned admitted their dog always enjoys playing with the wrapping more than the gift, and 31 per cent said that their pet sometimes chooses to play with the wrapping first.

Additionally, almost half of the owners questioned are planning to make a special Christmas meal for their dogs, and 63 per cent are planning extra special treats over the festive period. Just over half of the participants are planning special family walks with their dog.

The survey indicated that 72 per cent of Britain's dogs can expect a special gift left under the Christmas tree, ready for them to enjoy over the festive season.

Half of Britain's dogs will have an average of £15 spent on them this year - with a lucky three per cent receiving gifts worth more than £100.

Toys are the most favoured present of choice, but pampering with new clothes and new beds top the list of most desired presents.

Adam Whiteley, who works at the pet insurance company that ran the survey, said: “Spoiling our pets is a Christmas tradition for many of us and it's great to watch your dog enjoy a new toy, or even have a tussle with the wrapping paper.

"Dogs need a careful diet to maintain their health all year round, so the occasional puppy treat is okay, but never allow a dog to eat chocolate or raisins - as these can be toxic, even in very small amounts.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."