Lenivia is the first long-acting canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody therapy administered three-monthly.
It acts via its binding to nerve growth factor (NGF), a recognised mediator of pain and inflammation.
Julia von Gablenz, Regional President, Europe & Middle East of Zoetis, said: "Lenivia's approval marks a meaningful milestone in our continued innovation for canine osteoarthritis pain."
She added: "With Lenivia's approval, we're proud to bring UK(GB) veterinary professionals a new, long-acting option that can help alleviate osteoarthritis-associated pain and support sustained comfort with a single injection."
The new library provides images of companion and farm animals with the purpose of helping animal health teams find the right images quickly, and with confidence in their clinical accuracy for appropriate use.
Toby Trimble, founder of Trimble Group, said: "We repeatedly saw a common issue in the veterinary sector of inadequate images and teams were having to spend significant amounts of time searching for usable images.
"To remedy this, we have created the Animal Health Image Library.
"Every image is clinically accurate, and features a mixture of breeds, signalments and scenarios.
"Furthermore we have clearly categorised images into categories which makes finding the right image a quick and easy process.
"We truly believe this resource will aid both those working in the industry creating content, and consumers who will benefit from seeing accurate imagery.”
www.vetimages.com
If adopted, the move would end the RCVS's 182-year role as regulator of the veterinary profession.
In its report, "A sustainable veterinary workforce", the committee said the Government should separate the RCVS's professional leadership role from any regulatory functions within the veterinary profession, creating a new independent body that can oversee the expanded role of a reformed Act.
The report argued that the current system of self-regulation makes the veterinary sector an outlier, pointing towards professions such as medicine and law where regulatory functions have been separated from professional bodies.
It added that self-regulation is increasingly unsuitable for a profession where vet practices and services are coming under the ownership of corporate entities and the management of non-vets.
The recommendation sits within a wider package on veterinary workforce pressures, veterinary education, Competition and Markets Authority remedies and reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
On workforce, the report said pressures in the profession are no longer driven primarily by an overall shortage of qualified individuals, but by challenges in retention, distribution and alignment with specific roles.
It recommended that Defra should, within six months, commission a sector-wide review of retention challenges across the profession.
The report also said the Home Office, in collaboration with Defra, should review the Skilled Worker Visa salary thresholds for veterinary roles by early 2027.
On veterinary education, the committee said the current funding model is not sustainable and recommended a full review of funding within the next Spending Review.
It also said the Government should ensure the CMA's remedies are fully rural proofed, and that the CMA, in partnership with the RCVS, should establish a monitoring framework by September 2027.
The RCVS welcomed the majority of the recommendations but said the idea of establishing a new veterinary regulator "seems to be based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the current role and functions of the College."
In a statement, the College added: “The report appears to assert that this reform is necessary because the functions of the RCVS are in conflict with one another, or that it is otherwise undesirable for these functions to be carried out by one organisation.
"Comparison with the legal sector – in which the regulatory and representative functions of professional bodies were separated by statute in 2007 – strongly implies that the committee considers the same reform necessary in the veterinary sector because the RCVS has similarly conflicting functions, which it does not, and suggests a conflation between professional leadership and representation.
“Furthermore, the report fundamentally misunderstands the concepts of self-regulation and regulatory independence.
"In the context of modern regulatory regimes, 'self-regulation' refers to the independence of a regulator from government, not whether a profession makes rules for itself. In this sense most professional regulators, including the General Medical Council, are both self-regulating and independent.
“The press release accompanying the report is more explicit on these points, arguing that the establishment of a new regulator would allow the RCVS to “specialise in continuing to represent the profession’s interests.”
"To be clear, the RCVS does not represent the interests of the veterinary profession as a whole, nor those of the individual veterinary professionals we regulate.
“While it is true that the RCVS is currently both a statutory regulator and a professional leadership body, we carry out our statutory regulatory function in the public interest under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, and we carry out our professional leadership function in the public interest in line with the objectives in our Royal Charter.
"There is therefore no conflict between the two functions; indeed, they are complementary, allowing us to take a holistic approach to setting, maintaining and advancing veterinary standards.
“Furthermore, our Royal Charter has enabled us to innovate and plug gaps in our aging legislative framework, for example through regulating veterinary nurses and providing quality assurance of veterinary care through our Practice Standards Scheme.
"Far from detracting from or conflicting with our regulatory function, our professional leadership function, underpinned by the Charter, has reinforced our ability to take action in the public interest where we may not have statutory powers to do so.
“In relation to any suggestion that the RCVS should no longer be the veterinary regulator because it is unduly influenced by the profession through its governance arrangements, we would emphasise that the College has for some time been advocating for legislative reform that would replace its governing Council with a fully appointed board with lay parity, which would remove any risk, real or perceived, of the profession setting and marking its own homework.
"We are pleased that Defra has adopted this recommendation in full as part of its proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.”
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5902/cmselect/cmenvfru/270/report.html
Analysis
The recommendation to create a new veterinary regulator is arguably the most significant proposal in the report, yet the committee’s case for such a fundamental change appears relatively thin.
The report argues that regulation should be separated from professional leadership, bringing the veterinary profession into line with sectors such as medicine and law. It also points to increasing corporate ownership of veterinary practices and the need to maintain public confidence.
However, the report does not provide evidence that the current regulatory model is failing, nor does it explain why reform of the RCVS itself would not achieve the same objective.
The result is that the recommendation appears to rest more on an ideological preference for separating professional leadership from regulation than on evidence that the existing model is producing poor outcomes.
Photo: EFRA committee chair Alistair Carmichael, whose committee has called for an end to veterinary self-regulation.
The study1 was led by Dr Zoe Davies, a former Postdoctoral Researcher at the RVC, supervised by Jim Usherwood, Professor in Locomotor Biomechanics at the RVC, and co-authored by Aimee Savage, who was an RVC undergraduate at the time.
It involved six dogs with forelimb amputations and six with hindlimb amputations recruited from across the UK through the RVC's social media channels.
Using a 3D motion capture system and force plates in the RVC's Structure and Motion Laboratory, researchers analysed how the dogs adapted their bodies at different speeds.
At higher speeds, the dogs used a gallop-like gait similar to that seen in four-legged dogs.
At slower speeds, the dogs adopted two different movement strategies.
One involved a slowed-down version of the gallop.
The other involved a gait in which the pair of remaining limbs moved in a walking pattern, while the single remaining limb contacted the ground more than once during each stride.
When analysing forces acting on the limbs, the researchers found that forelimb amputee dogs placed around 50% of their bodyweight through their single remaining front limb, whereas weight in hindlimb amputee dogs was distributed more evenly across their three remaining limbs.
The RVC said the research provides a foundation for future work into rehabilitation and mobility support for canine amputees and may also inform the development of adaptive legged robots capable of responding to limb loss.
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/rspb/article/293/2069/20253159/481426/Locomotion-on-three-legs-the-tripedal-gaits-of
Reference
DuOtic contains terbinafine 10 mg and betamethasone 1 mg and is supplied in pre-measured single dose 1.2 g tubes.
One tube should be applied per ear canal by a vet and repeated after seven days.
Jamie Walker MA VetMB MRCVS, veterinary technical manager at Dechra, said: "DuOtic has been available in Ireland and Northern Ireland for some time and feedback from vet professionals has been positive, both logistically as no refrigeration is required, but also practically as dog owners have appreciated the product being vet-applied, reducing the stress associated with treatment.
"Some owners also appreciated the targeted nature of the treatment in the broader context of antimicrobial stewardship."
The programme features more than 30 speakers from the UK and overseas covering ECC anaesthesia, advanced surgical techniques, oncology, diagnostics, sepsis, nursing care and complex case management.
This year's keynote speaker is Professor Patrick Pollock, Professor at the University of Glasgow, and confirmed speakers also include Professor Kate Hopper, Associate Professor Claire Sharp and Marlaina Hrosch.
The programme includes practical workshops, case-based discussion and non-technical sessions on communication, teamwork and wellbeing.
The event includes access to session recordings after the congress, allowing delegates to revisit content.
Tickets are available now.
www.vets-now.com/congress-2026
The annual survey captures data including basic salaries, bonuses, dividends, overtime, and benefits such as accommodation, company vehicles, car allowances and pension contributions.
SPVS is inviting responses from everyone working in the veterinary sector, including veterinary surgeons, nurses, practice managers, support staff, and those working in industry or non-clinical roles.
The main findings will be published in a summary report, which will be made freely available to all participants who provide their email address at the end of the survey.
SPVS members will be able to access the full report, including detailed analysis and expert commentary.
Participants will also have the chance to enter a prize draw to win a Bose SoundLink Plus portable speaker.
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/3YMX1O/
LUMOS delivers case-based learning through Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced modules created and reviewed by qualified veterinary professionals.
The platform allows users to complete learning in short sessions, saves progress automatically, and lets learners pause and resume training without losing their place.
Learners can track individual module completions and work towards BSAVA LUMOS Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
LUMOS also includes community forums for peer interaction.
It is available to all vets and veterinary nurses, with BSAVA members receiving a 25% discount on all modules.
Pricing ranges from £75 to £400, depending on module level and audience.
Stacy Woodman, Interim CEO at the BSAVA, said: "We are delighted to launch BSAVA LUMOS, our innovative online learning experience developed for small animal vets and veterinary nurses.
"This marks a significant step forward in how the BSAVA supports learning, professional development, and career progression across the small animal veterinary profession."
"Our team of CPD experts, volunteers, and support staff have worked tirelessly to bring LUMOS to life, which has been deliberately designed with flexibility and relevance at its core in response to the changing needs of the profession."
https://www.bsava.com/education/lumos
The poster, by Lucy Williams BVSc MRCVS, Marketing and Veterinary Technical Services Manager at Carus Animal Health, Tristan Cogan BSc (Hons) PhD FHEA FRSBHE, Christina Maunder BVM&S CertSAM DipECVIM-CA FRCVS FHEA, Helen Howell PhD DSc (Hons) from Bristol Veterinary School, was based on a study from Carus Animal Health and the University of Bristol.
Data presented at VOACON demonstrated that faecal calprotectin was elevated in some dogs receiving oral NSAIDs, even in the absence of obvious GI signs.
The findings build on previous validation work from the University of Bristol.
The research was conducted using GIQuest, Carus Animal Health's patient-side faecal calprotectin test.
Lucy said: "Veterinary teams are becoming increasingly proactive in how they manage osteoarthritis patients.
"We know NSAIDs can have a hugely positive impact on quality of life, but clinicians are also looking for ways to monitor patients more closely and identify potential issues before they become clinically significant.
"The response to this research at VOACON reflects the profession's growing interest in objective biomarkers that can support more informed treatment decisions and enhance patient care."
Jolian Howell, Chief Business Officer and Director of Carus Animal Health, said: "This award is a significant achievement, not only for Carus but also for the wider field of gastrointestinal biomarker research. It recognises the value of building an evidence base around earlier detection, patient monitoring and preventive healthcare.
https://carusanimalhealth.com/giquest
The two webinars, which were developed by the company's veterinary team, are titled "Raw feeding for veterinary professionals" and "Raw feeding for puppies + kittens".
Bella+Duke said the webinars were developed in response to growing interest in raw diets across the companion animal sector and are intended to address knowledge gaps, tackle common misconceptions, and support confident, safe implementation of raw nutrition in practice and at home.
Carolanne Cicero RVN, Lead In-house Veterinary Advisor, said: "We know that veterinary professionals are fielding more and more questions about raw feeding, and we want to make sure they have access to reliable, safe and balanced information.
"These webinars are our way of bridging that gap - offering practical, trustworthy guidance developed by our own in-house veterinary team."
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5023526141933896800
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/923010778917784412
The programme includes lectures and hands-on learning.
Lecture streams include emergency and critical care, anaesthesia and analgesia, confidence in nurse clinics, exotics, zoo and wildlife, surgical nursing, behaviour, nutrition, student, equine, leadership, clinical supervisors, diagnostics, and a new Exhibitor stream.
A headline stream will take place each morning, covering workplace culture, supporting clients through bereavement, and managing a chronic illness diagnosis.
Small group workshops will cover British Sign Language and deaf awareness, practical CPR, physiotherapy and rehabilitation for the RVN, anaesthesia monitoring, wound management, haematology, and practical suturing.
Small group workshops must be booked at the time of registration.
The Congress programme also includes a keynote from Linda Ryan titled "Compassion in action: Considering empathy at the heart of veterinary nursing".
Interactive VNJ Live discussion sessions will take place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October, where potential future researchers, authors and speakers will be encouraged to discuss their ideas and showcase their work.
The BVNA is now inviting submissions for these discussion sessions: https://bvna.org.uk/vnj-live-at-bvna-congress-2026/
For ticket prices, visit: https://bvna.org.uk/registration-2/
https://bvna.org.uk/congress
The room has calming colours, plants, soft furnishings, blankets and sensory resources.
Students have access to wellbeing packs containing sweets and stickers, a positive mindset board, wellbeing information and resources, and reflection and mindfulness materials.
It also includes fidget toys and sensory aids, colouring books, a book exchange, card and board games, and bracelet-making activities.
The college currently has 160 apprentices from a variety of practices studying on its Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Care Support Certificate courses.
Emma Eve-Raw, head of centre, said: "With streamed lessons, continuous screen use, and the pressures of balancing study alongside clinical work, many students found themselves remaining connected to technology throughout the day, with limited opportunities for reflection, rest, or meaningful peer interaction.
"The wellbeing room is a space where students are encouraged to pause, regulate, and reconnect - both with themselves and with their cohort.
"These skills are essential not only for academic success, but for long-term resilience within veterinary practice.
"Learning how to take protected time away from screens, emotionally reset and engage positively with colleagues is a vital professional skill within such a demanding sector."
gvnc.co.uk
The guide combines evidence-based information with practical owner-focused support and encourages earlier conversations around joint health and proactive intervention.
It covers weight control, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, pain management, environmental adaptations and owner engagement.
Professor Stuart Carmichael FRCVS, who has collaborated with KRKA on a range of OA educational initiatives, said: "One of the biggest opportunities we have in osteoarthritis is identifying risk earlier and supporting owners before significant joint deterioration occurs.
"Helping owners understand that OA can begin much earlier in life allows practices to take a more proactive and individualised approach to joint care."
The guide also draws on insights from Danielle Everett PgD qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist and Canine Hydrotherapist.
Danielle said: "Simple lifestyle adjustments, tailored exercise and appropriate rehabilitation support can make a significant difference to comfort and mobility in dogs with OA.
"Resources that help owners understand those changes are incredibly valuable in improving quality of life and long-term health."
https://www.krka.co.uk/veterinary-knowledge-hub/
Anna, a farm vet in Shepton Mallet, qualified from the University of Nottingham in 2022 and joined Shepton Vets, where she runs the practice's Youngstock Club, developing it into a more collaborative and effective programme by restructuring the scheme to encourage closer working relationships between vets, technicians and farmers.
The award, supported by Zoetis, was presented at the BVA Awards Dinner 2026.
Anna said: "I cannot believe that I have won this award and feel incredibly honoured."
"It is especially meaningful given the high standard of nominees."
"I genuinely love being a farm vet and find it hugely rewarding."
"I'm extremely grateful to my colleagues at Shepton Vets for their support, encouragement and the knowledge they have shared with me throughout my career so far."
"They have provided me with fantastic opportunities to learn and develop, and this award is very much a reflection of that."
British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: "Anna is an outstanding veterinary surgeon, and her clinical excellence and leadership is impressive at such a young age and so early in her career."
"It's inspiring how dedicated she is to developing her skills and strengthening relationships and collaboration with farmers, other veterinary professionals and her team."
"She should be exceptionally proud of her achievements so far and we're delighted to award her this prestigious title - it's very well deserved."
Other BVA award winners this year were:
The online, self-paced course is offers veterinary teams evidence-based handling techniques designed to support feline welfare and improve clinical outcomes.
Stephanie Barnard-Twitchett, Registered Veterinary Nurse, Champion of Feline Welfare & Behaviour and Pharmacovigilance Specialist at Ceva Animal Health, said: "We know more about feline behaviour than ever before.
"Research has redefined our understanding of how cats experience veterinary visits, how stress affects clinical outcomes, and how small environmental and handling changes can dramatically improve feline welfare.
"Yet, despite this growing body of evidence, many cats still experience unnecessary fear and anxiety during routine veterinary visits.
"The question is no longer whether feline-friendly handling works.
"The question is how we help veterinary teams implement it consistently".
https://gbr.ceva.vet
Richard completed his specialist training at the Royal Veterinary College and remained there for a further year as a clinician before spending seven years gaining referral experience at a multi-disciplinary referral hospital in Surrey.
From the Sevenoaks hospital he provides ophthalmology services including cataract surgery, corneal ulcer management, treatment of feline corneal sequestra, tear film disorders such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), and emergency ophthalmic cases.
South East Veterinary Referrals has installed a Zeiss operating microscope to support procedures including cataract removal, corneal ulcer repair and corneal transpositions.
Richard said: "Eye problems in dogs and cats can progress rapidly.
"Cataracts linked to diabetes, deep corneal ulcers, or trauma can threaten sight within days.
"Until now, many complex cases in Kent had to be referred many miles away.
"SEVR provides a seamless pathway for assessment and surgery, whilst ensuring pets return to their first referral vet for follow-up care when appropriate."
www.southeastvetreferrals.com
WellVet was founded in 2019 and was established and run as a not-for-profit by vets Liz Barton, Ru Tipney, Nat Scroggie and Katie Ford.
It provided in-person and online events to help people build their own wellbeing toolkit.
It also developed and hosted free expert-led resources on perimenopause.
Vet Empowered is a coaching and wellbeing platform run by Claire Grigson and WellVet team member Katie Ford, and it will host the WellVet resources on its website.
Liz said: "WellVet was developed at a time when the conversation around wellbeing was growing, but many resources were not reaching colleagues who could benefit.
"Our aim was to connect people with solutions to live happier and healthier in mind, body and soul.
"We have been honoured to host outstanding expert speakers and to receive many moving testimonials demonstrating real positive impact.
"However, securing funding for WellVet’s activities has become increasingly challenging in the current climate.
"Bringing WellVet’s resources into another established wellbeing platform is the best way to ensure these materials remain freely available and continue to benefit the veterinary community.”
https://www.vetempowered.com/wellvet
Lyndsay is a Small Animal Director at Drove Veterinary Hospital in Wiltshire and served as BVNA President from 2023 to 2025, during which time she played a pivotal role representing the association and veterinary nurses across the UK with dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment
She is the only veterinary nurse on the hospital board at Drove, contributing to strategic decision-making, clinical governance, operational development and team progression.
The award was one of the BSAVA’s 2026 awards, which recognise contributions from across the veterinary profession.
BSAVA Honorary Secretary Adam Gow said: "Each of them has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the veterinary profession, and we’re proud to recognise the positive impact they make on animals, clients, and colleagues every day."
BEVA said the guidance is intended to help vets ensure good welfare during the necessary euthanasia of horses insured for mortality.
Led by Ian Beamish, the Association reviewed its guidance with input from vets and representatives from the insurance industry.
Ian said: "The veterinary surgeon's primary responsibility is undoubtably to ensure the welfare of the horse, regardless of whether the horse is insured.
"The new guidelines are a modernised version of the outdated 2009 guidelines, with a carefully revised List of Conditions and their prognoses, updated language, and revised protocols on grounds for euthanasia."
He added: "It is important to note that whilst we may advise euthanasia, we may not advise on the insurance policy conditions; this is a matter for the insured and insurer to discuss."
The Equine Insurance Providers Group has approved and adopted the new guidance.
https://www.beva.org.uk/euthanasia-guidelines-for-insured-horses
The course, which is a combination of online learning and practical tasks, is designed for veterinary care assistants who have already achieved their Level 2 certificate.
The school, which is part of VetPartners but also welcomes students from outside the group, delivers training to apprentices studying for the Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Certificate and Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
Launched in 1996 with one class of six trainees, Lynwood now supports 120 apprentices from veterinary practices across five counties and claims to have helped more than 1,500 students pass their exams.
Val Belbin, joint head of the school, said: "We are hugely proud of everything the school has achieved over the past three decades and are delighted to be offering this new training opportunity to veterinary nursing assistants.”
https://www.lsvn.co.uk
BVEDS was founded in 2016 to support BAME vets, nurses and students.
The organisation says that the book, entitled ‘Veterinary Diversity and Inclusion: Race, Ethnicity and Religion’, will be a significant move for the professions and it is keen to ensure that veterinary nursing is well represented by RVNs and SVNs from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
If you'd like to get involved, contact: vetedibook@gmail.com
www.bveds.com
IVC started writing to the practices at the start of last year, threatening legal action over their use of the term 'Pet Health Club', which the company says infringes its trademark rights.
In March 2025, IVC sent follow-up letters to affected practices, offering an extension until 31st December 2025 to comply with its demands, but according to We Are Spartacus, there has been no contact since the deadline passed.
Meanwhile, We Are Spartacus reports that 200 veterinary professionals have registered their opposition to IVC's claims via its website.
Dr Natalie Morris-Webb, owner of Malthouse Vets, one of the affected practices, said: “Last year was a worrying time for lots of independent practices with a ‘Pet Health Club.’
"Many of those that came forward had been using the term long before IVC registered its wordmark in 2019 and either had to face the cost and hassle of rebranding their health plans or enter into a legal dispute with IVC.
“Neither of these are appealing options for independent practices, or their owner managers.
"Although IVC appears to have ceased defending the ‘pet health club’ wordmark, with none of the affected practices reporting any further correspondence for many months, the uncertainty is still there.
"It’s unacceptable that IVC has not yet achieved a commercial settlement, or revealed whether they have given the industry a reprieve and no longer plan to take legal action.”
An IVC Evidensia spokesperson said: "We have no current plans to approach anyone we haven’t previously contacted on this matter, but of course, we reserve the rights available to the company, as trademark holder, to protect our trademarks and customers in the future, as in any sector."
"A material number of those previously infringing our trademark have now updated their branding.
"Anyone still in breach was given clear notification, so the position is unambiguous - they are required to update."
The Pet Health Club website does not currently state that the scheme is owned by IVC Evidensia.
www.wearespartacus.co.uk
The CPD events, which are part of the College's Next Steps project, are aimed specifically at returning parents, those coming back from a career break, and individuals moving into management.
They offer a blend of practical guidance, peer support, professional networking, and careers expertise.
Tash Goodwin Roberts, RCVS Projects Implementation Manager, said: "Navigating change can be exciting, but it doesn’t come without challenges.
"Our Next Steps project is designed to make those transitions as smooth as possible, to make sure you feel confident in reconnecting with your professional identity."
The events will take place on 12 May, 21 May, and 18 June at the RCVS' offices in London.
Tickets cost £50 for those booking at least six weeks in advance.
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/rcvs-next-steps-4825743
For the study, the team at the RVC conducted an online survey of the owners of 9,402 UK dogs to investigate the behaviour of three popular designer Doodle breeds – Cockapoo, Labradoodle and Cavapoo.
Behaviours were compared between the Doodles and their purebred parent breeds, including Cocker Spaniels; Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; Labrador Retrievers; and Toy, Miniature, and Standard Poodles.
Behaviour was assessed using the validated Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) which quantifies diverse behavioural challenges including aggression, fear and anxiety, separation-related behaviour and attention-seeking.
The results show that designer Doodles differed from their purebred parents in approximately 54% of behavioural comparisons.
Where differences were identified, Doodles showed more undesirable behaviours in 82% of comparisons.
Some of these common undesirable behaviours included non-social fear (e.g. fear of traffic, loud noises); separation-related problems (e.g. vocalisation and destructiveness when left alone); and excitability (e.g. strong reactions to exciting events such as walks and doorbells).
Doodles showed less undesirable behaviours in only 18% of the comparisons where a difference was identified, for example Labradoodles scored lower for dog rivalry (e.g., conflict with dogs they live with) compared to Poodles.
Considerable variation between the three individual Doodle breeds was also identified, demonstrating that designer crossbreeds should not be treated as a single, uniform group in terms of behaviour.
For example, Cockapoos displayed a higher level of undesirable behaviours compared to their purebred parent breeds, exceeding that seen in Cavapoos and Labradoodles.
In particular, Cockapoos showed higher levels of aggressive behaviours, such as owner-directed aggression and dog rivalry, than their purebred parents.
Dr Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC and senior author of the paper, said: “Realistic expectations are key to happy dog ownership.
"When expectations and reality don’t align, both dogs and owners can struggle.
"Preconceived beliefs, such as the idea that designer-crossbreeds are naturally easy to train or are safe with children, can have serious consequences if they aren’t supported by evidence.
"Our research shows that many designer-crossbreeds do not always behave as expected, particularly regarding training, anxiety and aggression, which were more common than in their parent breeds.
"We also found that not all ‘Doodles’ are alike, with Cockapoos tending to display more undesirable behaviour compared to Labradoodles and Cavapoos, highlighting that each breed is unique.
"By providing reliable scientific data, we can help puppy buyers to make better-informed choices that support both human wellbeing and canine welfare.”
The online invitation survey was conducted among 6,500 pet owners from around the world, 1,000 of whom were based in the UK.
Whilst the survey didn't glean any further information about the nature of the infections, such as what percent of them were endoparasites versus ectoparasites, it did reveal that 61% of respondents said their pet experienced discomfort or illness, 39% said they showed behavioural changes and 38% reported that it made them feel anxious.
However, 38% see a parasite infection as not serious or just slightly serious.
Seventy per cent of owners said they get their parasite information from vets, compared to 43% from the internet.
Forty-five per cent use prescription treatments and 40% use vet-administered treatments in a clinic.
According to the company, 71% of UK pet owners said they would like clearer guidance on parasite protection, yet 35% have not been informed about parasite risks in their area by their vet.
Ian Wright MRCVS, Chairman/Director of ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites), said: "It has never been more important to be aware of parasites and the risk to companion animals – the increased movement of pets and people, as well as climate change, has fuelled a rapid shift in the distribution of parasites and their proximity to pets.
"Pets can carry parasites which affect animal and human health - although there are familiar types, such as fleas – we need to be vigilant for unexpected parasites moving into new countries and regions.
"With simple precautions and preventative measures, we can minimise the risk of diseases they may bring, and continue to enjoy the wonderful benefits of pet ownership."