Author Archives: Amber Tennant

Canicross recognised by The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club has recognised canicross as an official canine activity. With 8.5 million dogs in the UK and a growing canine obesity problem, canicross is a fun and easy way for owners and their dogs to stay active and explore the great outdoors.

In order to take part in canicross, an owner wears a waist-belt which attaches via a two metre bungee line to the dog’s harness. Both owner and dog run, with the dog taking the front spot from start to finish. The activity has many benefits, including making new friends for both owner and dog and creating a special bond between them.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are very excited to recognise canicross as an official Kennel Club activity. For those who are already interested in running and who own a dog, it is an easy and fun way to keep both human and canine fit and healthy.”

Full details about the new discipline can be found on the Kennel Club website.

BVA survey reveals 98% of vets asked to euthanise healthy pets

A survey of companion animal vets undertaken by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has revealed that almost all companion animal vets have been asked to euthanise healthy pets, with half (53%) saying this was not a rare occurrence and 98% of those who had been asked citing the owner’s reason as their pet’s behaviour.

Problem behaviours vets see include persistent barking and howling; destructive chewing; inappropriate toileting, and aggressive behaviour towards people and other pets. Such behaviours can cause a breakdown of the human-animal bond, leading to pets being excluded from family life to the detriment of their welfare, relinquished to rehoming centres or euthanised.

BVA says that these figures overwhelmingly show the importance of adequate socialisation of animals at an early age. BVA President Sean Wensley, said: “These figures are stark and are likely to come as a shock to members of the public. But this is the sad reality of a failure to socialise animals from the earliest possible age – a specific time in a puppy’s development which has a significant impact on their future temperament and behaviour. With dogs, this process starts from before a puppy is even seen by a potential owner. In recent months there has been a litany of news stories about the illegal importation, breeding and trading of puppies through puppy farms. This is no way for a family pet to start life and we urge potential owners to thoroughly research where a puppy has been born and reared, using the AWF/RSPCA Puppy contract to help. Then, in the first year of ownership, and especially in the first few weeks, work with your local veterinary practice to ensure your puppy is introduced to everyday sights and sounds, including other people and animals, in a safe and structured way.”

Surveyed vets said that some of the most common reasons they were given included poor health of the owner (48%), owners moving to accommodation that is unsuitable for their pet (39%), and legal enforcement reasons (32%). For more information please visit the BVA website.

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Ahhh flu!

Did you know the flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 8 hours? Symptoms of the flu can include temperatures, tiredness, headaches, pains/aches and sore throats.

To prevent getting the flu you can book an appointment with your doctor to get the vaccine. This is free to anyone over 65, pregnant woman and children and adults with illnesses or a weak immune system. You can also prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands regularly.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu/Pages/Complications.aspx

Nominations now open for International Canine Health Awards

Nominations are now open for the prestigious International Canine Health Awards, which are returning for the fifth year running to celebrate some of the world’s finest researchers and scientists whose work has had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of dogs. The three categories for the International Canine Health Awards are:

  • The International Prize in Canine Health: Awarded to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to canine health and welfare, with a prize fund of £40,000 for future projects.
  • The Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to a veterinarian or scientist working in a related discipline who has dedicated much of their career to advancing the health of dogs, with a prize fund of £10,000.
  • The Student Inspiration Awards: Awarded to one undergraduate  (£5,000 prize fund) and one postgraduate (£10,000 prize fund) student studying at a British veterinary school and demonstrating the potential to significantly advance the frontiers of veterinary medicine and research in the field of dogs.

Professor Steve Dean, Chairman of Trustees of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, commented: “After four successful years, the International Canine Health Awards will once again, in 2017, recognise those scientists, veterinarians and other individuals who help provide dogs with a healthier future. Massive strides towards improving canine health have been made in recent years and through the generosity of the Vernon and Shirley Hill Foundation we are able to offer these awards to a global audience.”

All nominations can be made via an online application form; nominations close on 13 February 2017. For more information on the International Canine Health Awards, please visit the Kennel Club website.

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Gym

Did you know abdominal exercises do not assist you in getting a flat stomach? Going to the gym can help reduce stress and increase brain power. When you exercise it releases energy which means you can feel energised for the rest of the day. Making time for fitness is important because it gives you the chance to loose unwanted fat, boosts your mood and assists in keeping you healthy.

Make sure you always hydrate before a work out. If muscle is more than 2% dehydrated it can have a big impact on its physique. Eat something an hour before you go to the gym to keep your energy levels up; preferably a snack with carbs and protein in it.

http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Fitness/Pages/Fitnesshome.aspx

Interested in working with animals? Come and find out how!

On Saturday 15 October, The College of Animal Welfare is hosting a Careers with Animals Day at its centre in Tingley, near Leeds. If you’re interested in working with animals, this is your chance to find out about training opportunities and employment prospects within the animal and veterinary sector. What’s more, entry is completely free of charge!

Whether you’re a school leaver working out what your next move is going to be, an adult looking for a career change, or unemployed and looking to get back to work – exhibitors from some of the leading animal care organisations will be on hand to speak to you about your options, providing you with ideas and information that will help you get started!

A series of careers talks will be held throughout the day covering different careers, such as how to be a veterinary nurse or become a dog groomer. Exhibitors confirmed so far include African Conservation Experience, Royal Veterinary College, North K9 Dog Training, Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, Cats Protection, RSPCA – and many more! This event will allow you to speak to the professionals about what is really involved, and discover what training and experience is needed to get you there.

Leslie Heaton-Smith, Marketing and Development Director at The College of Animal Welfare, said: “For the past 25 years we have been running this event from our centre in Cambridgeshire. Due to repeated requests for a similar event to be held in the North of England, we are delighted to now be able to run this event from our centre in Tingley. The popularity of the event continues to grow, and each year we see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to find out how they can turn their passion for animals into a rewarding career. We have another great line up of exhibitors for this event and are really looking forward to, what is set to be, another fantastic day.”

The event will be held at The College of Animal Welfare’s education and training centre in Tingley, West Yorkshire (WF3 1DR). Doors are open from 10am until 3pm and entry is completely free of charge! For more information please visit www.careerswithanimals.co.uk or call the College on 01480 422060.

Interested in working with animals? Come and find out how!

On Saturday 15 October, The College of Animal Welfare is hosting a Careers with Animals Day at its centre in Tingley, near Leeds. If you’re interested in working with animals, this is your chance to find out about training opportunities and employment prospects within the animal and veterinary sector. What’s more, entry is completely free of charge!

Whether you’re a school leaver working out what your next move is going to be, an adult looking for a career change, or unemployed and looking to get back to work – exhibitors from some of the leading animal care organisations will be on hand to speak to you about your options, providing you with ideas and information that will help you get started!

A series of careers talks will be held throughout the day covering different careers, such as how to be a veterinary nurse or become a dog groomer. Exhibitors confirmed so far include African Conservation Experience, Royal Veterinary College, North K9 Dog Training, Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy, Cats Protection, RSPCA – and many more! This event will allow you to speak to the professionals about what is really involved, and discover what training and experience is needed to get you there.

Leslie Heaton-Smith, Marketing and Development Director at The College of Animal Welfare, said: “For the past 25 years we have been running this event from our centre in Cambridgeshire. Due to repeated requests for a similar event to be held in the North of England, we are delighted to now be able to run this event from our centre in Tingley. The popularity of the event continues to grow, and each year we see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to find out how they can turn their passion for animals into a rewarding career. We have another great line up of exhibitors for this event and are really looking forward to, what is set to be, another fantastic day.”

The event will be held at The College of Animal Welfare’s education and training centre in Tingley, West Yorkshire (WF3 1DR). Doors are open from 10am until 3pm and entry is completely free of charge! For more information please visit www.careerswithanimals.co.uk or call the College on 01480 422060.

– Ends –

For more information please contact:
Alison German RVN
Marketing Executive
The College of Animal Welfare
Tel: 01480 422060
Email: agerman@caw.ac.uk

Notes to editors:
The College of Animal Welfare is one of the UK’s leading providers of veterinary nurse and animal care training and education; operating from four training centres around the UK.

The College has a well-earned reputation for excellence and has created a number of unique achievements that have created new opportunities for learning.

For more information about The College of Animal Welfare please visit www.caw.ac.uk

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Relax…

Did you know there are 3 types of relaxation methods; mental, physical and transcendental. Different people have different ways of relaxing. Making sure you have time to relax can reduce stress. Yoga, Hypopressives and activities; walks, cleaning and different sports are the most popular ways to relax. Finding out what works for you is important because not all relaxation activities make people relax.

http://www.ukhypopressives.com/

RCVS holds first Brexit Presidential Taskforce meeting

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) held the first meeting of their Brexit Presidential Taskforce on 26 July. The Taskforce was established following the EU referendum result on 24 June, with the central purpose of putting the profession in charge of its future by maximising the opportunities and minimising the risks of Brexit.

The Brexit Presidential Taskforce will proactively engage with the many possible changes that could shape the future of the UK veterinary profession due to Brexit. The terms of reference include:

  • Considering how EU regulations currently impact the regulation of veterinary professionals in the UK, and making recommendations as to which should be maintained
  • Looking at the issue of mutual recognition of veterinary graduates in Europe
  • Considering workforce requirements and the implications of a new system of immigration
  • Understanding the implications for the current RCVS agenda
  • Considering whether a proactive RCVS agenda can influence any new UK legislation
  • Reconsidering the College’s existing international strategy
  • Studying the financial impact on the College

Dr Chris Tufnell, President of the RCVS, said: “Brexit has profound implications for our professions. The Presidential Taskforce is exploring all implications and will develop proposals that will seek to mitigate the risks and maximise the benefits that can flow to the veterinary professions and to animal welfare. We are working closely with representative bodies and others so that the veterinary professions have a coordinated and well executed plan in place. We are in discussions with all relevant Government departments, working collaboratively and constructively, ensuring that our voice is heard and our influence is felt.”

For more information please see the RCVS website.

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: A sight for sore eyes

Did you know the average blink lasts for about 1/10 of a second? Looking after our eyes is very important. One way to make sure your eyes are healthy is regular eye tests. The suggested time frame for our eyes to be tested is every two years; this can differ depending on age and eye conditions.

Some of the different health issues that can occur to the eye are eye disease, eye cancer, conjunctivitis and dry eye. If you think you have a health issue with your eyes seek information and help from your doctor.

If you think you may have a sight issue you can go to your local optician for an eye test which will determine what help you need e.g. Glasses.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Eyehealth/Pages/Lookingafteryoureyes.aspx