Companion dogs are an important part of British society and culture, however surprisingly, unlike with farm and laboratory animals, the welfare of dogs kept as pets is not closely monitored for health or welfare management. In fact, a recent survey of stakeholder opinions conducted by the Royal Veterinary College has highlighted that our beloved pets may face a multitude of welfare issues and that there is much room for improvement for companion dog quality of life. This is something that should be of concern to those within the veterinary nursing profession, as not only did many veterinary nurses take part in the original study, but they also play a fundamental role in educating owners on a day-to-day basis.
As part of the RSPCA-funded study, the opinions of over 200 professionals working closely with pet dogs including veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, dog breeders, welfare officers and members of advisory bodies, were sought to identify what they believe are the priority issues for companion dogs. When asked to rate the quality of life for companion dogs on a scale, the majority of stakeholders rated them as having between a ‘good life’ and a ‘life worth living,’ however specific groups — mainly those who have most direct experience of welfare issues, and including veterinary nurses and assistants — rated lower on the scale, towards just ‘a life worth living.’
The stakeholders surveyed identified over 30 different welfare issues for pet dogs. Understanding which welfare issues are of most importance is crucial as it will enable more informed decisions regarding resource allocation in welfare organisations and regulatory bodies to be made and lead to the overall improvement of welfare in the companion animal population.
Many of the issues that were regarded as top priority were related to aspects of welfare other than health. In particular owner awareness and irresponsibility were raised as contributing to many specific welfare concerns. The stakeholders highlighted behavioural problems, inappropriate socialisation and puppy farming as priority welfare issues. The latter issues may lead to the development of common behavioural problems, such as separation anxiety, noise phobia, destructive behaviour or fear-related aggression.
Stakeholders also raised issues that are more difficult to tackle, since they have deeper roots in societal views towards the way we treat pet animals, and relate to the acceptance of certain practises within society as a whole — for instance euthanasia of healthy dogs and status/accessory dogs. Rectification of these issues is harder to achieve, since changes are required not only in owner attitude but also within general society. Obesity is a good example of this as it is a long-standing issue for companion animals, but remains resistant to improvement since it requires lasting changes in an owner's attitude and understanding of weight management and exercise regimens.
Many of the welfare issues for companion animals are anthropogenic in nature (that is, they derive from human activities), and so rectification of many, if not all, welfare issues requires a level of awareness, education and responsibility by owners and society in general. Veterinary nurses play a key role in owner education schemes, as they often manage speciality clinics for obesity and behaviour problems, and puppy/kitten socialisation classes, allowing informal one-to-one and small group discussions about welfare. These clinics and other sessions, including social networking sites, are important opportunities to raise owner awareness and understanding of priority welfare issues.
It is apparent that the improvement of companion dog welfare is far bigger than the veterinary profession alone, however tackling welfare concerns falls well within the remit of the veterinary nursing profession, particularly through the continued and progressive education of owners and potential owners about these important issues.