Tag: pet owners

Pet owners to benefit from biggest vet sector reforms in 60 years

Clearer pricing will help pet owners compare costs and shop around, saving families money

Millions of pet owners and vet professionals across the country will benefit from major reforms to the veterinary sector – the first overhaul in sixty years.

The reforms help households understand what they are paying for, avoid unexpected costs and choose the best value care for their pets.

They come after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found problems in the veterinary market could be costing households up to £1 billion over five years. The CMA found that vet fees have risen at nearly twice the rate of inflation – which is why this government is taking action.

The proposals will make the system clearer, fairer and more transparent for owners – while supporting veterinary professionals alike.

Benefits for pet owners:

  • Clearer prices easing the ability to look around: Vet practices will be required to publish price lists for common treatments, and be transparent about options and changes allowing pet owners to choose the best treatment for their animals. Knowing key prices beforehand helps owners to choose the best value.
  • More competition to lower costs over time: Vet businesses must disclose who owns them so pet owners know if their local practice is part of a larger chain or independent. This knowledge and price transparency helps owners to decide which practice to use which increases competition and bring down costs over time.
  • Greater confidence in care: Every vet practice will need an official operating licence – similar to GP surgeries and care homes.
  • Fairer treatment complaints process: Stronger rules on how veterinary businesses must operate with an easier and more effective route for customers to raise concerns along with more support offered to allow vets and vet nurses to carry out their roles successfully; benefitting animal health and welfare.
  • Better access to quality care: New measures will bring veterinary nurses and certain allied veterinary professionals into regulation, freeing up veterinary surgeons to focus on more specialist care, improving access and reducing delays.

Benefits for veterinary professionals:

  • Legal recognition for veterinary nurses to strengthen professional identity, helping improve job satisfaction and boosting retention rates. 
  • Regulatory oversight of veterinary businesses, not just individual vets, so the responsibility for upholding standards is shared and clearer.
  • Modernised processes for registration and “fitness to practice”, focusing on current competence rather than past mistakes. 
  • A modern governance model for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), whose current structure has remained largely unchanged since 1966 and now lags behind other healthcare regulators. Proposals will reduce potential conflicts of interest and strengthen public and professional trust.

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said: “Pets are part of the family, and owners deserve clear information, fair treatment and confidence in the care their animals receive.

“We’re focused on making vet services work better for families by improving transparency, increasing choice and helping people make informed decisions, while continuing to support the professionals who care for our animals.”

UK Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss said: “Updating these rules will help build a modern veterinary service that is easier for the public to understand and navigate, while strengthening animal health outcomes and supporting a skilled, resilient workforce.

“Reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act is a crucial step towards building a stronger, more resilient profession. This consultation gives pet owners and professionals the chance to help shape a system that works better for everyone.”

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: “Veterinary teams play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health.

If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work; it’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape a veterinary sector that’s fit for the 21st century.” 

Martin Coleman, Chair of the CMA Inquiry Group said: “We welcome the government’s consultation to update this vital regulation and protect pet owners.

“Our vets investigation is ongoing, but we have already set out our strong concern that the current rules are not fit for purpose and need reforming to keep pace with commercial practice and further build pet owner trust in veterinary businesses.”

Why change is needed:

60% of vet practices are owned by non-vets, with many operating under unclear ownership structures. The reforms propose a new licencing system requiring businesses to meet clear standards – with enforcement action, including potential loss of licence, where they fail to do so.

A modern disciplinary process will accompany the reforms, with a wider range of sanctions to ensure customer concerns are properly addressed and support veterinary professionals to safely carry out their roles. This will work to improve care whilst reducing punitive outcomes and will benefit both owners and professionals alike.

Veterinary professionals are essential to the UK’s high animal health and welfare standards. These reforms strengthen professional recognition, modernise outdated regulation and help safeguard the profession’s ability to continue to protect the UK from the threats to disease and food security. 

This announcement follows the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy, and is part of this Government’s ambitious reforms to animal welfare – improving the lives of millions of animals across the UK. 

The consultation will run for 8 weeks.

Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: “For years, Which? has been exposing unclear pricing and poor practice in the vet industry so it’s good to see the government taking steps to modernise the sector and ensure it treats pet owners fairly. 

“The current regulation is decades out of date and oversight of veterinary businesses, not just individual vets, is urgently needed. The government needs to ensure that its new licensing system has the right sanctions in place for businesses which break the rules. 

“The government must ensure these changes are introduced as soon as possible to restore consumer confidence in the sector. As part of these reforms, it should also legislate to establish a mandatory Ombudsman scheme with the power to make binding judgements about customer complaints and take action against any vets or vet practices falling short.”

BVA calls on vets to support reform of outdated veterinary legislation as Government launches proposals

Following years of campaigning by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the UK Government has today (27 January 2026) taken a major step towards reforming the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA), launching a public consultation seeking views on its proposals for reformed legislation.   

The consultation will run for eight weeks and seeks input from across the veterinary team and from the public on a range of proposals that could see significant changes to how veterinary professionals are regulated, including the introduction of regulation for allied veterinary professionals (e.g. equine dental technicians and cattle hoof trimmers); vet businesses could be regulated for the first time; and there could be significant changes to the governance arrangements including the roles undertaken by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).  

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published its proposals following months of intensive engagement with a group of key organisations including BVA, RCVS, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and the Vet Schools Council (VSC), to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the sector and develop recommendations on what the options for proposed reform could look like.  

Reform of the VSA will have a significant impact on vets’ daily work, the service they provide their clients and the care given to animals. BVA will formally respond to the consultation on behalf of its members. BVA is also strongly encouraging all vets to support reform by engaging with the proposals and sharing their views with Defra via the consultation. 

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MCVRS said: “Vets play a vital role in society, from caring for the nation’s animals and supporting our farmers and food production, through to assisting international trade, disease control and public health.

“If we’re to continue delivering this work effectively, we urgently need reformed veterinary legislation, and those changes will impact how we go about all aspects of our work. It’s therefore imperative that colleagues engage with Defra’s proposals, ensure their voices are heard and grasp this opportunity to shape veterinary legislation that’s fit for the 21st century.” 

For more information on what Defra’s proposals mean, BVA members can access a series of recorded webinars explaining the detail.

There is also a Frequently Asked Questions section on the BVA website:

https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/our-policies/veterinary-surgeons-act/  

BVA members can share their views with BVA via email at policy@bva.co.uk.  

The consultation closes at 23:59pm on 25 March 2026.

Vets should publish prices, says competition watchdog

Major reforms would require vet businesses to make ‘fundamental changes’ to the way they support pet owners

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today published the provisional decision in its market investigation into the UK’s £6.3 billion veterinary services market.

  • Proposals to transform consumer experience will lead to more choice and savings. 
  • Twenty-one measures proposed, including better information on prices, treatments, medicines and ownership, a price cap on written prescriptions and a new comprehensive price comparison website.
  • Current regulatory system not fit for purpose and must be modernised to keep pace with commercial practice and ensure pet owners are protected.

CMA Provisional Finding

The market investigation – which is principally into vet businesses, not individual vets – identifies concerns, including that pet owners:

  • are often unaware of the prices of commonly used services and whether their local practices are part of large national chains
  • have no effective way of comparing vet prices when they get a pet or move areas
  • may be paying twice as much for commonly prescribed medicines from vet practices than they could pay online, amounting to hundreds of pounds more than they need to pay
  • often receive no written estimate for courses of treatment running to hundreds – or even thousands – of pounds
  • are often unable to tell if they are getting good value for money from pet care plans
  • may be overpaying for individual cremations often have no effective means of complaining when things go wrong

These factors are market wide and mean consumers do not benefit from strong competition between vet businesses. Average vet prices across the market rose by 63% between 2016 and 2023 – well above the rate of inflation.

The CMA also found that pet owners pay 16.6% more on average at large vet groups than at independent vets. For at least 3 of those large groups, average prices increased faster at practices they bought than at practices that remained independent. For a substantial part of the market as a whole, profits are much higher than they should be if competition was working well.

In addition, the CMA has found that the current regulatory system is not fit for purpose. It only regulates individual veterinary professionals and not vet businesses, despite the majority of practices being part of a large corporate group.

Given its market-wide concerns, the CMA’s independent expert inquiry group has provisionally decided that a far-reaching package of 21 measures is required to address the above concerns and reinvigorate competition in this market.  

Martin Coleman, Chair of the Inquiry Group, said: “Pet owners are often left in the dark, not knowing whether their practice is independent or part of a chain or what a fair price looks like.

“They are sometimes committing to expensive treatment without understanding the price in advance. And they do not always feel confident asking for a prescription or buying medicine online – even when it could save them hundreds of pounds.

“Even where pet owners could access some of this information, it is difficult for them to compare prices and services – despite the fact that, in most of the country, there are several local practices they could choose between.

“We are proposing major reforms aimed at bringing about a transformation in the experience of pet owners and empowering them to make the best choices for their circumstances.

“We believe that our proposals would enable pet owners to choose the right vet, the right treatment, and the right way to purchase medicine – without confusion or unnecessary cost.”

CMA’s proposed remedies

The CMA is today proposing a wide-ranging set of remedies to address these issues, including:

  • Requiring vet businesses to publish comprehensive price lists, be clear if they are part of a large group, and make sure that their policies and processes allow vets to act in the best interests of pets and pet owners. These measures will give pet owners the information they need to choose the right practice and treatment options for them.
  • Making it easier for pet owners to access cheaper medicines online, including by requiring vets to tell pet owners about savings they make by buying medicines online and, where a medicine is likely to be needed frequently, automatically providing a written prescription to enable the pet owner to purchase the medicine elsewhere (unless the pet owner chooses otherwise), and capping the price of providing prescriptions at £16. These measures will help prompt consumers to consider buying medication online and protect them from having to pay excessive prices for the prescriptions they would need to do so.
  • Requiring vets to give pet owners clear price information when they are choosing a treatment, with prices in writing for treatments over £500 and itemised bills. This will make it easier for consumers to consider different treatment options and providers.
  • Requiring the RCVS to enhance its Find a Vet website to include pricing data drawing on the price lists vets will be required to publish; this data can also be used by third party websites and apps. This will allow consumers to compare vet prices much more effectively, for instance when they first get a pet or move areas.
  • Requiring vets to give clear price information to pet owners arranging a cremation. This is important to allow pet owners to make the best decisions for their circumstances, at an especially emotional time.
  • Requiring vets to give pricing breakdowns for pet care plans. This will allow pet owners to better decide if these would provide good value for money in their own circumstances.
  • Recommending that the government urgently prioritises a new Veterinary Surgeons Act and updates regulation to include veterinary businesses, as well as individual vets and nurses, and give the regulator powers to set and enforce requirements and standards for these businesses. Reform is needed to make sure pet owners’ interests are protected and there is an effective complaints handling route if things go wrong.

The main focus of the inquiry is into veterinary businesses, not individual vets. The CMA is concerned to hear that some vets and vet nurses face abuse from frustrated clients – they deserve respect, not hostility.

The proposed remedies would be good for vets, further enhancing trust in the profession and protecting clinical judgment from undue commercial pressure.

Implementation

The CMA’s final decision will be published by March 2026. The reforms would be implemented through a legally binding CMA Order and could see some measures coming into force before the end of 2026. Small vet businesses will be given additional time for implementation.

Vet businesses can make changes that would benefit their customers in the meantime, and the CMA encourages them to consider doing so.

The CMA fully recognises that the proposed changes would require businesses to adapt systems or make other changes which would incur some administrative costs. The CMA’s provisional view is that the benefits to consumers of these measures would far outweigh the costs to businesses.

Next steps 

The CMA will now consult on the Provisional Decision. All interested parties are welcome to respond to the provisional conclusions by the deadline of Wednesday 12 November 2025 via our consultation page.

For further information, visit the Veterinary services case page, which includes key statistics and the administrative timetable.  

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents more than 19,000 vets across the UK, has responded to the CMA’s ‘provisional decision’ following its market investigation into UK veterinary services for household pets.

The report, published today (Wednesday 15 October), was clear that ‘veterinary professionals work hard, act ethically, and put animal welfare first’.

It also set out 21 measures that it believes will improve ‘information on prices, treatments, medicines and ownership; introduce a price cap on written prescriptions; deliver a new comprehensive price comparison website; and highlights that the current regulatory system is not fit for purpose and must be modernised to keep pace with commercial practice and ensure pet owners are protected.’ 

Responding to the CMA’s provisional decision, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams said: “At first glance, there’s lots of positives in the CMA’s provisional decision that both vets and pet owners will welcome, including greater transparency of pricing and practice ownership; reform of the outdated regulatory framework; and support for our calls for regulation of vet businesses. The CMA also recognises that vets and vet teams are highly professional, and ‘work hard, act ethically, and put animal welfare first’.  

“However, we do have concerns that some of the measures outlined will impact how services are delivered.

“In particular, we need clarity on the proposed introduction of comprehensive price lists, because how vet care is delivered is varied and complex and unless the CMA gets this right, it could end up creating greater confusion for consumers, which in turn could have a negative impact on animal welfare.” 

Read the full CMA provisional report here.

UK launches world-first study to assess antibiotic resistance levels in healthy dogs and cats

SCOTLAND’S RURAL COLLEGE TO LEAD RESEARCH

New, groundbreaking research to protect both animal and human health from antibiotic-resistant infections is underway to develop the world’s first dedicated surveillance system in healthy dogs and cats, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced.

Over half of UK adults own pets and live with them in a shared environment, meaning that bacteria, including resistant bacteria, can spread easily between animals and people. All animals and humans have bacteria in their bodies and in many cases these bugs do not cause any harm.

However, some bacteria can be resistant to antibiotics which can lead to serious human or animal health consequences if they cause an infection. Through this study, the VMD seek to understand more about the levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in household pets across the UK, to better protect public health and the health of our pets.

Pet owners across the UK will be contributing to the research programme; the study aims to identify the most reliable methods for understanding AMR in dogs and cats and will include outreach to households and veterinary practices to submit faecal samples from the animals they live with and look after. 

These samples will generate AMR surveillance data in healthy companion animals for the first time.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will conduct the pilot study over 4 years and bring huge expertise in this field of work, having established surveillance programmes in other countries. 

Abi Seager, VMD CEO said: “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious global health threats that we face.

“I am proud to launch this ground-breaking AMR surveillance project in healthy cats and dogs with SRUC, who have a proven track-record of establishing surveillance programmes from the ground-up, and this new study is a truly One Health intervention to tackle AMR.

“A recent report published by the Public Accounts Committee on AMR, highlighted the need to address surveillance gaps in animals and we are pleased the VMD is already driving progress in this area.”

John Berezowski, Professor in Disease Surveillance at SRUC’s Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) in Inverness, said: “This initiative is critical for a better understanding of the transmission and maintenance of AMR in our pets. Our experts have worked hard to develop a practical AMR surveillance system.

“We plan to follow a team approach, working with pet owners and their vets as we explore how best to collect samples for surveillance throughout the UK.”

This work will build on existing surveillance programmes in animals, coordinated by the VMD. Currently, in companion animals in the UK, surveillance for AMR only covers a limited number of clinically unwell animals and no country currently has representative national surveillance of AMR in healthy dogs and cats.

The work also follows a similar study recently carried out by UKHSA, looking at the levels of resistant bacteria in healthy people.

VMD are also working to address gaps in clinical surveillance data from companion animals under veterinary care, by addressing barriers to public-private AMR data sharing. This work is being funded by the Integrated Security Fund Biosecurity Portfolio and is being conducted in partnership with the University of Liverpool and private veterinary laboratories.

Hot summer sparks blue-green algae warning from vets

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners in Scotland to take precautions when walking dogs near freshwater bodies this summer, as the warm weather brings with it an increased risk of toxic blue-green algae growth.

The warning comes after several recent reports of algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds of rivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK, including the Lake District, Greater Manchester and parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Confirmed sightings are identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app, which encourages people to submit details and photos if they suspect they have spotted it.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities.

The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water like lakes and ponds. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim.

It’s also possible for dogs to come into contact with it even if they don’t go for a paddle, as toxic blooms may be blown to the edges of water bodies.

British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Dr Rob Williams said: “Lots of dogs love water and won’t hesitate to dive straight in when they see a lake or go for a paddle in a pond. But toxic blue-green algae is very difficult to identify and, if ingested, can make dogs seriously ill and can even be fatal.

“We’re urging pet owners to keep their dogs on leads near water bodies where blue-green algae has been confirmed or, if unsure if a water body is safe, to keep them away from it completely as it is not worth the risk.

“With no known antidote for the toxins, prompt treatment is critical to help give affected pets a chance of recovery. Symptoms can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, and commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. If you have any concerns or are worried your pet may have had contact with blue-green algae, speak to your vet as soon as you can.”

Top tips for pet owners

  • Look out for any warning signs near water bodies.
  • Keep pets on a lead and by your side around water bodies known or suspected to have a blue-green algal bloom – don’t let pets swim in it or drink from it.
  • If your dog has been swimming outside, wash its coat thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
  • Seek emergency veterinary treatment if you’re concerned your pet may have ingested toxic algae.
  • Report sightings of suspected blue-green algae with a photograph via the Bloomin’ Algae app. You can also set up notifications for confirmed sightings in your area.
  • There are other ways to help your dog keep cool in the warmer weather: paddling pools can give them somewhere to cool off and you should always make sure they have access to clean water and shade if outdoors.

Urgent warning to pet owners as toxic chemicals found in fake flea treatment

Pet owners urged to be wary of dangerous fake treatments discovered on e-commerce sites

Main developments are:

  • urgent government warning issued after toxic insecticide discovered in counterfeit flea treatments – one cat required emergency surgery after severe poisoning
  • fake pet medicines lack essential ingredients while containing dangerous chemicals that trigger vomiting, seizures and potential death
  • warning signs include poor packaging, spelling mistakes, unusual smells and suspiciously low prices
  • new figures show three quarters of consumers wrongly believe fake goods are of similar quality to genuine products
  • pet owners should only buy from trusted sources and immediately report suspicious products

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) are urging pet owners to take caution when purchasing common medicines, including common flea treatments and wormers. 
 
The alert comes after toxic pesticide traces were found in a fake flea treatment that caused a pet cat to become seriously ill, prompting the owner to have the product tested. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Pirimiphos-methyl, a dangerous insecticide toxic to cats. 
 
Officials are urging pet owners to recognise signs of counterfeit products, avoid using suspicious items, and know how to report concerns.  

Counterfeit animal medicines deliberately copy the appearance, packaging and branding of genuine veterinary products to deceive pet owners. Like all counterfeits, they are illegal to sell in the UK.   

These fakes typically lack proper active ingredients, making them ineffective. Worse still, they may also contain harmful substances, causing severe reactions including vomiting, muscle tremors, breathing difficulties, seizures and potentially death.

Pet owners seeking bargains, or a quick purchase online may unknowingly purchase these dangerous counterfeits.  
 
The VMD and IPO are urging owners to check for warning signs including poor packaging, spelling errors, missing information, and unusual smells. 

Last year alone, the VMD issued 122 seizure notices for the selling of unauthorised animal medicines and supplements, preventing around 18,000 illegal items from reaching consumers. 

After purchasing what appeared to be genuine FRONTLINE ® flea treatment online for his cat, Smokey, Alan Wall from Preston was devastated when Smokey became very unwell.

The condition was so severe that Smokey required emergency intestinal surgery to survive. This was followed by a week-long stay at the veterinary surgery and significant bills to support his recovery.

Alan Wall said: Smokey is more than just a pet, he’s a member of our family. When he became ill after using what we believed was a genuine flea treatment, we were terrified.

“Watching him suffer, not knowing whether he would pull through, was heartbreaking. It’s taken a huge emotional toll on all of us. Without the support of our vets and the extensive surgery they performed we know Smokey wouldn’t be with us today.

“We want to warn other pet owners about these fake products so that no one else has to endure what we’ve been through.”

Images of Smokey the cat – receiving treatment, and when healthier

A Veterinary Medicines Directorate Veterinary Surgeon and Efficacy Assessor, Dr Heilin-Anne Leonard-Pugh, explains: “Pirimiphos-methyl is toxic to cats. Exposure to this insecticide can prevent the cat’s body from breaking down a substance called acetylcholine, leading to an overstimulation of the cat’s nervous system. 

“This can cause symptoms such as vomiting, uncoordinated gait, muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis, increased sensitivity to touch, difficulty breathing, restlessness, urinary incontinence, low heart rate and seizures.

“In some cases, even death can sadly occur. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a counterfeit medicine, seek veterinary advice immediately.”

Sue Horseman from Bristol also purchased what appeared to be FRONTLINE® flea treatment online for her cat, but quickly became suspicious that the product wasn’t genuine.  
 
Sue explained that the product was difficult to open and had a distinct smell of white spirit and paraffin, whereas the genuine flea treatment has no smell.  When she reported this to Trading Standards, experts confirmed that the treatment was a counterfeit. 

While the online platform has removed the seller, they had already managed to sell 211 batches of suspected counterfeit pet medicines and supplements, including fake FRONTLINE Flea and Tick Treatment and PRO PLAN FortiFlora Probiotic Sachets for dogs and cats. 
 
New counterfeit goods research (Wave 4) shows that counterfeit goods of all types are frequently purchased via global e-commerce websites. The figures also show that in 2024, nearly-one-in-five (17%) consumers unknowingly purchased goods later found to be fake, with 60% of purchasers also saying that ‘ease of purchasing’ influenced their decision. 

Saving money is a strong motivator for buying fakes, with around three quarters (72%) of purchasers saying price was an important factor in their decision. Worryingly, around three-quarters (72%) wrongly believed the products would be of a similar quality to the genuine item.

The IPO’s Deputy Director of Enforcement Helen Barnham, said: “We are a nation of animal lovers, and criminals dealing in counterfeits are targeting pet owners with complete disregard for the animal’s wellbeing. 

“This can have some distressing consequences, as they may contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to our pets. We are urging pet owners to be vigilant when purchasing any type of animal treatment, and beware of any offers that ‘look too good to be true’.   

“Counterfeiting is anything but a victimless crime and this latest discovery confirms this. If you suspect that any goods offered for sale may be counterfeit, you should always report this to your local Trading Standards or Crimestoppers Online.”

Caroline Allen, RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer said: “We are very concerned about counterfeit vet treatments on sale which can be highly toxic to pets and we would always urge pet owners to seek professional veterinary advice if they have any health concerns.  

“We appreciate financial pressures can lead to some owners to look for cheaper treatments online but they could be unwittingly putting their beloved pets in serious danger by inadvertently buying these counterfeit goods and would urge them to take on board this government advice.”

Nina Downing, Vet Nurse from PDSA, a vet charity and a leading authority on pet health in the UK, said: “Counterfeit veterinary medicines can pose a serious threat to our pets ‘ health and wellbeing. 

“While legitimate medications play a vital role in keeping our pets healthy, counterfeit products can cause severe harm or even be fatal. These fake medicines may contain incorrect ingredients or dangerous substances that can make pets extremely ill – leading to symptoms like twitching, swelling, breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse, coma and even death.

“We always recommend that you only give your pet medication which has been prescribed by your vet. When fulfilling a prescription online, source them from reputable companies that are on the Register of online retailers, brought to you by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. If you suspect your pet is reacting badly to any medication, contact your vet immediately.”

When examining the counterfeit FRONTLINE® flea treatment, experts from the University of Bath also identified telling packaging flaws.

Most notably, the label used ‘GATTI’ (Italian for cats) instead of the English ‘CAT’, alongside multiple spelling errors – common indicators of counterfeit products.

Image: Packaging featuring spelling mistakes and mixed languages

Pet owners should check the packaging and always be cautious of third-party sellers when shopping on e-commerce sites for any type of pet medication. 

The IPO and VMD are offering advice for consumers to help spot fake animal medicines, and what to do if they believe they may have purchased them or seen them offered for sale.

How to identify fake animal medicines online:

1. Warning signs of fake medicines. Look out for: 

  • poor quality or damaged packaging
  • spelling or grammar errors
  • missing leaflets or expiry dates
  • instructions not provided in English
  • suspicious smell, colour or texture
  • poor quality tablets, capsules, vials or pipettes – homemade appearance

Be wary of any retailer selling prescription only products without asking for your prescription. This is illegal. 

All online sellers of prescription only animal medicines must be registered with the VMD. If in any doubt, you can check retailers on the VMD’s Register of Online Retailers.

2. Always shop safely online. Be cautious of:

  • heavily discounted goods and flash sales. Question the price if much cheaper than elsewhere. Whether buying online or in person, always think about the price
  • a seller asking for sensitive information or requesting payment by bank transfer
  • fake websites and social media profiles. These can contain original brand names – confirm the website is authentic and check seller details and reviews before purchasing
  • any deal or offer that looks ‘too good to be true’ 

What you can do

If you have you been personally affected by a poisoning case, you should report through the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) questionnaire. 

If you see these goods being offered for sale, whether on a website, social media post or on the high street, contact your local Trading Standards or Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111. 

If you encounter suspicious veterinary medicines or retailers, please also report them to the VMD Enforcement Team. (You can do so anonymously if preferred): 

Vets issue urgent heatstroke advice for pet owners as temperatures soar

With hot weather conditions in Scotland this week, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and to act quickly if they spot early signs of heatstroke. 

Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, sunburn and breathing difficulties, some of which can sadly be fatal. 

Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating.

Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal. Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog’s main way to cool its body temperature. Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk. 

Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it’s important that their hutch or run isn’t exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day.  

 British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn.

“Unfortunately, these can often be fatal. With heat warnings in place, make sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.

“When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, don’t take them out during the heat of the day- stick to early morning or late evening walks- and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, contact a vet as quickly as possible as heat-related illnesses can be fatal. 

“It’s important to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pets’ lives. In dogs, signs include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.

“Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures.

“If you suspect heatstroke, take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink if possible, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.” 

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey during 2022’s record-breaking heatwave revealed that half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness. Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions reported by 51% of small animal vets, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%). 

BVA has shared the following top tips to keep pets safe in this heat: 

  • Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. Provide them with a cool mat and fan and keep frozen water bottles covered in towels in their living space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can provide extra shade by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels. Lightly misting rabbits’ ears with cold water is also an effective way to help cool them, as long as this doesn’t stress them. 
  • Don’t exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks. 
  • Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for five seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. 
  • Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999. 
  • Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures. 
  • If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet. 
  • Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out shallow bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs.

More than just a Store: National Pet Shop Day to celebrate services and solutions on the high street

Despite pet shops and stores having the trust of most UK pet owners, 62.50% of those based in Scotland are still opting to consult a vet for guidance on tackling common minor health issues such as fleas, as evidenced in Johnson’s Veterinary Product’s purchasing habits report. 

It is this startling fact that has led Johnson’s to announce the launch of the UK’s first ever National Pet Shop Day, as a way of celebrating the huge breadth of support, products, services and advice that high street retailers are able to provide direct to pet owners who have concerns about their pet’s health and wellbeing. 

Taking place on 13 July 2023, pet shops and stores across the UK will throw open their doors and invite pet owners to come in and discover more about how they offer viable, affordable options for dealing with commonly occurring minor healthcare ailments such as fleas, ticks or worms. 

It is hoped the occasion will encourage pet owners to discover, or in some cases rediscover, the value that local pet shops can provide, marking the beginning of a positive, long-term relationship that will encourage owners to think twice when seeking help in caring for pets. 

Paul Gwynn, Managing Director at Johnson’s Veterinary products, explained: “Pet shops and stores are the local health and wellbeing hubs of the pet world, but we find that many people are often so rooted to their longstanding routines, that they perhaps don’t even consider that they can also get experienced advice or assistance about a whole host of frequent minor pet health issues whilst picking-up their other pet essentials in store.

“There is a lot of value to be discovered by visiting local pet shops and stores and consulting experienced in-store staff, as they have a wealth of knowledge within their teams that has been built over many years, in some cases decades.

“They can often help to spot the signs of and give advice about issues such as fleas, ticks and worms, and therefore are well placed to provide practical advice and product solutions for both these, and a range of other, more general, wellbeing concerns directly in store.

“With National Pet Shop Day, we want to mark the ongoing, positive contribution that these pet shops and stores make to society, and in doing so provide animal lovers with the confidence that they can handle their pet’s conditions effectively and efficiently, without always breaking the bank. These retailers are far more than a point of purchase – they are the bedrock of the pet owning community and are always ready and willing to help.”

“We are confident that the day will be beneficial for everyone participating, representing an important first step towards building relationships between shops and pet owners, whilst opening the door to affordable pet care.”

For more information about National Pet Shop Day, or to search for retailers participating locally, please visit https://nationalpetshopday.com/

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‘I’m a Vet – and muzzles are not bad for our pets’

PDSA urges to see past the muzzle & breaks down misconceptions ahead of Scotland’s new laws

Last released figures shared by Defra showcased that more than 35,000 dogs have been registered in England and Wales under the XL Bully exemption scheme. Not factoring in the number of dogs living in Scotland who as of 23 February will be required to wear a muzzle, there’s bound to be a surge in dogs outside wearing muzzles. 

Muzzles can be divisive, and vet charity PDSA is seeing this first hand. 

PDSA Vet, Lynne James, explains there’s many misconceptions around muzzles, which all XL Bully type dogs must now wear when out and about, in order to comply with the Exemption rules. This includes when being transported in a car.  

“Experts and animal welfare organisations have campaigned against breed bans for decades, but it’s a big myth that muzzles are bad for dogs.  

“As a Vet, and working in the profession, muzzles are no stranger to us. In fact, muzzles can be extremely helpful in our line of work.  

“We’re very keen to highlight misconceptions about muzzles. For many, especially now, muzzles are going to be part of their daily routine – grab your dog’s lead, collar and muzzle before heading out for walk. 

“Dogs don’t care what they look like – that’s a human thing. Thinking a dog in a muzzle must be ‘dangerous’ just isn’t accurate when muzzles have other uses. Vet professionals see them on a day-to-day basis and frankly, see past the muzzle. 

The leading vet charity shared some of the muzzle misconceptions it has heard since the ban was announced: 

  • Muzzles are prison for pooches 
  • They are animal cruelty 
  • Look barbaric 
  • Muzzles look like a monstrosity 
  • Horrible contraptions 

Why use a muzzle? 

“We do understand how muzzles can create the fear of the unknown, especially if you’ve only seen them portrayed on fierce looking guard dogs in films! It’s important to be aware though – muzzles can be used for other positive reasons, and many of the dogs you may see out and about wearing them these days are not to be feared. 

“Muzzles can be especially helpful for dogs who like to eat non-food items – owners who have a dog who munches on poo whilst out on walks will understand this better than most!  

“They can also create some safety for dogs themselves, if a dog does like to sniff out things to pick up when on walks, a muzzle can help to stop them easily picking up potentially harmful foods or substances.  

“Even the friendliest of dogs can find some situations stressful – such as visits to the groomers or the vets, particularly if they’re in pain or have had a previous uncomfortable experience. That’s why we’d recommend all owners include muzzle training with their general dog training, it’s just as handy for your dog to be happy wearing a muzzle as it is for them to know how to ‘sit’ and ‘wait’, should you need them to.” 

“It’s also imperative people understand that a muzzle is not ‘animal cruelty’. If a dog is wearing a suitable, comfortably fitting, spacious muzzle, they should be able to fully pant, drink water, and even take treats with ease. 

Choosing the right muzzle for your dog 

“When choosing the best muzzle for your individual dog, you want to make sure that:  

  • There’s roughly 1cm space between your dog’s nose and the very end of the muzzle. 
  • There’s plenty of airflow so your dog doesn’t overheat and can breathe normally. 
  • Enough room for your dog to comfortably open their mouth to eat and drink. 
  • Plenty of space for your dog to fully pant. 
  • Should be made of a durable but comfortable material so it doesn’t break but also doesn’t irritate your dog’s skin.

“It’s always key for pet owners to slowly introduce a muzzle in a positive way, to help their dog become confident and happy wearing it.

“Muzzle training shouldn’t be rushed and should always be done at a dog’s pace, in several short sessions over a few weeks, so they have time to adjust and feel comfortable wearing a muzzle.

“Whilst muzzles have their uses for shorter periods of time, they aren’t meant to be worn as a constant. However, a good walk, whether short or long, that suits the energy levels of your dog is fine to wear a muzzle for.”

 

Key dates for XL type owners in both England and Wales: 

  • 31 March 2024 — deadline for your dog to be microchipped (and microchip number provided to Defra by email or post, by this date) if your dog was less than eight weeks old when you applied for a Certificate of Exemption.  
  • 30 June 2024 — deadline to have your dog neutered (and neutering evidence provided to Defra by email or post, by this date), if your dog was more than one year old on 31 January 2024. 
  • 31 December 2024 — deadline to have your dog neutered (and neutering evidence provided to Defra by this date), if your dog was less than one year old on 31 January 2024. 

Scotland’s ban timeline:  

  • It has been announced restrictions for XL Bullies will come into place on 23 February 2024 in Scotland. 
  • From this date, owners of XL Bullies will need to comply with the restrictions: dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a lead when in public. It will also be illegal to sell, or advertise for sale, abandon, give away or breed the dogs in Scotland. 
  • From 31 July 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without having an Exemption. We’re still awaiting information for how owners will be able to apply for an Exemption, and when they can do so.

There’s plenty of muzzle training guidance and advice on PDSA’s website, as well as the information the vet charity knows about both the England and Wales ban, and the Scotland ban. 

Competition and Markets Authority launches review of Vet sector

The CMA is opening a review of how veterinary services are bought and sold amid concerns that pet owners may not be getting a good deal or receiving the information they need to make good choices

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a review looking at consumer experiences and business practices in the provision of veterinary services for household pets in the UK.

It will explore how well the market, worth over £2 billion in the UK, is working for pet owners including whether they are receiving the information they need at the right time to get appropriate treatment for their pets.

The CMA wants to hear from pet owners and people who work in the industry.

Almost two-thirds of households in the UK own a pet, with the number of pet owners having increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The CMA is concerned that pet owners may not find it easy to access the information they need about prices and treatment options to make good choices about which vet to use and which services to purchase.

Households are under strain from the rising cost of living and it is important that pet owners get value for money from their vets – but figures suggest that the cost of vet services has risen faster than the rate of inflation, which is something that the CMA will be looking into as part of its review.

The ownership of vet practices has also changed in recent years – independent practices accounted for 89% of the UK veterinary industry in 2013, which fell to approximately 45% by 2021. In some cases, a single company may own hundreds of practices and it may be unclear to people whether their vet is part of a large group.

People may also be unaware if their vet is part of a group which owns other vet practices in their area or that the services which are being sold to them (such as diagnostic tests or treatments at a specialist animal hospital) are provided by that group. This could impact pet owners’ choices and reduce the incentives of local vet practices to compete.

The CMA is keen to hear more about pet owners’ and vet practitioners’ experiences of:

  • Pricing of services, including whether pet owners were aware of how much a treatment would cost, and how they pay for it (whether they pay themselves or via insurance)
  • How prescriptions and medication for pets are arranged and sold
  • Choosing a vet surgery and whether people are aware that their vet may be part of a larger chain which might also own other surgeries in the area
  • Using out-of-hours and emergency vet services where options might be limited

Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: “Caring for an ill pet can create real financial pressure, particularly alongside other cost of living concerns. It’s really important that people get clear information and pricing to help them make the right choices.

“There has been a lot of consolidation in the vet industry in recent years, so now is the right time to take a look at how the market is working.

“When a pet is unwell, they often need urgent treatment, which means that pet owners may not shop around for the best deal, like they do with other services. This means they may not have the relevant information to make informed decisions at what can be a distressing time. We want to hear from pet owners and people who work in the sector about their experiences.”

The CMA would like to hear from pet owners, veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, practice managers and veterinary businesses as part of this work. To get in touch please visit the case page.

The CMA will provide a further update on this review in early 2024, outlining the issues it has identified and its proposed next steps.

‘Keep dogs on a lead around rivers and ponds’- Vets issue seasonal warning about deadly blue-green algae risks

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued its annual warning to pet owners to take extra precautions when walking dogs around freshwater bodies, as warm weather conditions spark concerns about an increased risk of toxic blue green algae growth over the coming months.

The warning follows on the heels of confirmed algal bloom sightings in lakes, ponds or rivers in around 50 locations across the UK, including Millarochy Bay, Pullar’s Loch and several other locations in Scotland, as identified by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s (UKCEH) Bloomin’ Algae app. In late April, a cocker spaniel died of suspected blue green algae poisoning after a swim in Anton Lakes, Hampshire.

Blue green algae, or cyanobacteria, are a group of bacteria that can contain dangerous toxins which can be harmful and potentially fatal to pets, livestock and birds if ingested even in small quantities.

The algae may appear as green or greenish-brown scum on the surface of water. Dogs can swallow it by drinking water from an affected lake, river or pond or while licking their fur after going for a swim. It’s possible for dogs to come into contact with the bacteria even if they don’t go into water for a paddle, as toxic blooms are often blown to the edges of water bodies.

According to trend data supplied by Professor Alan Radford and his team at SAVSNET, University of Liverpool, suspected or confirmed cases reported by veterinary practices peak in July and August, at the height of the summer season, and aren’t restricted to any one part of the UK.

British Veterinary Association President Justine Shotton said: “Many dogs love nothing more than a paddle in a lake to cool off in this weather, but we’d urge pet owners to keep them on a lead during walks near water bodies confirmed to have algal blooms this summer. The majority of blooms are toxic and it is impossible to tell the difference visually, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

“It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of exposure. These commonly include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, disorientation, trouble breathing, seizures, and blood in faeces. They can appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure, depending on the type of toxin ingested, and can cause liver damage and ultimately be rapidly fatal if left untreated.

“There is currently no known antidote for the toxins, so dog owners should seek prompt veterinary treatment to tackle their effects and ensure a good chance of recovery for their pet.”

Dr Linda May, a freshwater ecologist at UKCEH, explained: “All reports of suspected blue-green algae are rapidly available to view via the Bloomin’ Algae app, so by submitting records, people are providing a useful early warning to pet owners and watersports enthusiasts.

“A photograph must be included with all reports so we can quickly check if the bloom is blue-green algae or something harmless.”

BVA has issued the following advice for pet owners: