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: 30th April 2013
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
National Pet Month fights flab
Image: Rosemary Conley
Keep-fit queen calls for healthy owners and pets

Rosemary Conley, the founder of a string of diet and fitness clubs, has turned her attention to obese animals for National Pet Month.

Raising awareness between April 1 and May 6, Rosemary is urging owners to show love for their pets by providing them with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Rosemary has lived with pets since she was a child and currently owns three dogs – two black labradors and a lurcher-whippet cross.

She explained that pets can have a positive impact on people's lives, using the example that dog ownership is a great way to get fit and stay fit.

"It's important for people to look after their pet's weight as much as their own weight," she commented. "Research has shown that dog owners tend to be a stone lighter than non-dog owners.

"Dogs provide us with a wonderful reason to go out walking – one of the easiest and best fitness activities you can do. As one doctor once said to me, 'dogs should be prescribed on the NHS'!"

Rosemary added that giving pets endless treats just because they ask for them surmounts to pet cruelty and leads to heart disease, hyper-tension, joint problems and arthritis.

To accompany the advice, National Pet Month is asking pet owners to look at the following three ways to help pets maintain a safe weight:
  • Don't be tempted to give table scraps as these are often too high in calories for pets – one chunk of cheese for your cat is the equivalent to nine chunks of cheese for an average-size woman.
  • If you are feeding specially-formulated pet treats, don't over do it – look out for lighter varieties too. Remember to take any treats into consideration at mealtimes and adjust the amount you feed accordingly, without disrupting their nutritional balance.
  • Check your pet's weight routinely – click here to use the Pet Size-O-Meter as a comparison.

National Pet Month is currently in its 24th year, encouraging responsible ownership among pet owners, which amounts to almost half of the UK's households.

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
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.