Vet Times

Author: Dan Amos

  • Pandemic puppies

    Pandemic puppies

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    by

    Dan Amos

    It is with much mirth they read the many comments that the childbirth explosion after the first lockdown will be made up entirely of first-borns. Parents, exhausted from home schooling, smirking at what is to come for those who did not have to be a 24-hour entertainment centre seven days a week for their children…

  • Cultural differences

    Cultural differences

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    by

    Dan Amos

    No matter how much I try to persuade him otherwise, Prof Edward Coleman is insistent that he uses an indoor litter tray. Cat litter now makes up about 50% of the contents of my bin each week. I recall it being much the same when in practice with the added bulk of non-clumping litter and…

  • OSCE alternatives?

    OSCE alternatives?

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    by

    Dan Amos

    Any education process has always been in a state of change; it’s the one thing you can guarantee. While I know this causes stress, it’s worth focusing on what the educational process is aiming to achieve. In particular, with OSCEs, its aim is to ensure you are a safe and competent practitioner – for you,…

  • Covideo killed the radio star

    Covideo killed the radio star

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    by

    Dan Amos

    While I try and keep these blogs as supportive, informative and educational as possible (I promise I do!), sometimes a little fun is required. During lockdown I marvelled as my clinical colleagues stepped up to continue providing for our patients, and I know this has been hard – shifts extended, clients more stress than usual,…

  • Dr Nurse

    Dr Nurse

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    by

    Dan Amos

    It’s nearly a whole year since I started as a student (again) with my PhD. Well, I’m glad to report I’ve passed my first review in July, so I am allowed to continue… A sigh of relief all round! Ph what? A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a three-year project (sometimes four), with the student…

  • The borrowers?

    The borrowers?

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    by

    Dan Amos

    Having written on what I see as the perils of the popularity of “borrowing” pets via apps and websites, I was saddened to see that, with the COVID-19 puppy boom, these are now being seen as a “normal” alternative to doggy day care. A sad narrative of puppy farm dogs with behavioural issues and ill…

  • Throw it away?

    Throw it away?

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    by

    Dan Amos

    Comfort blanket or paperweight? Should you or shouldn’t you? It’s question that could be asked of so many things in our vet lives, but this is a biggie: should you throw away your revision notes? This is both an emotional and practical issue – you slaved over those notes with blood, sweat and tears, but…

  • Seaside welfare

    Seaside welfare

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    by

    Dan Amos

    Warm weather and cool breezes mean living by the beach in summer can be a lot of fun. However, there is always an animal welfare situation to consider, and it’s not just about overheating pooches on the beach. A video of a child harassing a seal was shared online recently. Thankfully, many of the comments…

  • Race recognition

    Race recognition

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    by

    Dan Amos

    The past few weeks have been hard, seeing the protests and not knowing if the sources are correct and the information is true. I support #BlackLivesMatter, but how can I express that in a positive way that starts a conversation of positivity, not a fight over rights? I know I need to admit my privilege…

  • Crazy pet myths

    Crazy pet myths

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    by

    Dan Amos

    I’m hoping to move home soon, but it’s been a long time since I moved with a pet. I’m considering Prof Edward Coleman’s feelings in this far more than my own; he likes to wander to other gardens and, although he settled quickly here, I’m moving nearer a busy road, so I’m thinking of ways…