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Itchy dog project to tackle canine dermatitis
Only purebred Labradors and golden retrievers can be registered with the project.
Study could impact breeding methods and future treatment

Owners of Labradors and golden retrievers are being invited to take part in a new study into canine dermatitis.

Launching at Crufts, the Itchy Dog Project will be carried out by the University of Nottingham’s Vet School.

The project aims to investigate the potential genetic and environmental causes of canine atopic dermatitis and develop a strategy to reduce the number of dogs affected by the disease.

Owners are being invited to take part in the research online, even if their dog does not have a problem with itchy skin.

“We know that at least 10 per cent of dogs suffer from long-term skin allergies and it can have a serious impact on their lives, and on the owners’ lives in dealing with it,” said vet school research fellow, Dr Naomi Harvey.

“We need to collect data on both atopic (itchy) and non-atopic (non-itchy) dogs from these breeds so we can look for differences between them at a genetic, environmental and behavioural level to help us better understand the causes and impact of the disease.

“Only purebred Labradors and golden retrievers, aged three years and over, can be registered with the project.”

Owners taking part in the study will need to complete an online survey after registering their dog on the Itchy Dog website. The survey will ask questions about their dog’s health and lifestyle and should only take 10 minutes to complete.

Participants will then receive a link to a second survey by email, which will focus on their dog’s behaviour. Eligible dog owners may also be invited to provide a sample of their dog’s saliva so that researchers can analyse their DNA.

“This is a great opportunity for dog lovers to get involved in some citizen science that could have a huge impact on future treatment and possibly even breeding methods,” said professor Gary England, Dean of Nottingham Vet School.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here. 

Click here for more...
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Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com