BSAVA PetSavers partners with IDEXX Animana to promote toolkit for senior dog owners

19 August 2024

BSAVA PetSavers has partnered with IDEXX Animana practice management software, to include the Ageing Canine Toolkit contents in their UK release of the Veterinary Content Cloud, further increasing its reach to veterinary professionals and senior dog owners across the UK.

The Ageing Canine Toolkit was produced after BSAVA PetSavers funded a major research project at the University of Liverpool to help to provide the best care for senior dogs. The project used a mixed methods approach to determine the experiences and challenges faced by veterinary professionals and owners in caring for ageing dogs.

The results of the project showed that it can be difficult for owners to know whether any changes that they notice in their dog are signs of ageing or whether they indicate possible disease that would benefit from veterinary advice and treatment. Key findings from the study were used to develop a traffic light colour-coded checklist to help owners know whether to seek advice from a veterinary practice and to guide discussions during consultations.

The Ageing Canine Toolkit includes a leaflet and accompanying poster for practice waiting rooms. The leaflet contains information about the more common health problems affecting ageing dogs, and several copies of the checklist for owners to use regularly at home to monitor their dog as they age.

Sarah Williams, Fundraising and Grants Awarding Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “We are really pleased to be partnering with IDEXX Animana to expand the reach of the Ageing Canine Toolkit. We hope that the toolkit can contribute to and aid conversations with senior dog owners and ultimately improve the health and welfare of senior dogs across the UK.”

Carolina Berazay DVM, General Manager IDEXX Animana: “With several team members having firsthand experience from working in veterinary practices, IDEXX Animana has a deep understanding of the critical role that effective communication with pet owners plays. We recognise the importance of providing context and insights to pet owners that can support them in ensuring the health and well-being of their aging pets. IDEXX is committed to advancing animal welfare through various initiatives, including our partnership with the BSAVA.”

Both the leaflet and poster are freely available; digital versions are downloadable from the BSAVA Library: bit.ly/4fEZnHo, and printed copies can be ordered by veterinary professionals from the BSAVA Store: bit.ly/4co65hL.

To find out more about IDEXX Animana’s Veterinary Content Cloud: bit.ly/3YUMR0v. It is free for all Animana users and can be found in the Content Designer.