Itchy dog project to tackle canine dermatitis
Only purebred Labradors and golden retrievers can be registered with the project.
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.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
