Veterinary surgeons who conduct consultations on senior dog preventative healthcare treatment are being asked to take part in a BSAVA PetSavers Old Age Pets survey to shape the development of a guidance tool to support the care of senior dogs.

BSAVA PetSavers is funding a research project at the University of Liverpool designed to help vets and owners provide the best care for senior and geriatric dogs.

In the first part of the study, veterinary professionals were interviewed about the services currently provided to senior dogs and their owners regarding preventative healthcare, treatment, and advice.

Owners were interviewed about their experiences of living with and accessing veterinary care for senior dogs.

The results of these interviews were then used to develop the online survey which researchers now need vets to take part in, to validate the interview findings in a quantitative way.

Dr Carri Westgarth said: “The veterinary survey focuses on the perceived barriers to care for senior dogs, end-of-life care including quality-of-life, and the potential design of the BSAVA PetSavers guidance tool.

"We would be grateful if any veterinary professional could take a few minutes from their day to help us with this project.” 

The survey should take around 20–25 minutes to complete. 

Survey participants will also have the opportunity to win an Amazon voucher. 

The survey can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/PetsaversOAPVetSurvey.

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