As part of its health webinar series, The Kennel Club is hosting a free webinar for owners, breeders and veterinary professionals who would like to find out more about gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome (GDV), otherwise known as bloat, in dogs.

The webinar is taking place via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 12 November, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, and will explore what research has told found to date including causes, breed susceptibilities, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, possible treatment options, and what future research could teach us. Those interested in attending the webinar can register here.

The webinar will include a one-hour presentation from Professor Mark Dunning, an expert from the University of Nottingham, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session, giving attendees a chance to put forward their queries and experiences for discussion (questions can also be pre-submitted at the time of registration).

Bloat is an acute, life-threatening condition where air accumulates rapidly in the stomach, causing a sharp rise in pressure that can lead to shock. There are many risk factors associated with the development of bloat, including breed or type, with large and giant breeds more commonly affected. More information about bloat in dogs can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/bloat.

The Kennel Club’s health-focused webinar series has so far explored other canine conditions such as epilepsy, colour dilution alopecia, osteosarcoma and haemangiosarcoma, as well as the science of DNA testing for health, with experts, researchers, owners and breeders. The webinars aim to raise awareness of various canine health concerns, explore research and future studies, improve diagnosis and outlook, and support dogs affected with the condition, and their owners. Past webinars can be watched on The Kennel Club’s YouTube channel.

The Kennel Club takes insights from its health data and feeds them into its Breed Health and Conservation plans, so that it can work with breeders to give information and guidance about how to ensure the future health of pedigree breeds. These plans, which enable The Kennel Club to track progress and make meaningful changes to breed health, have been developed as a result of reviewing more than 4,000 research papers, making the project the most comprehensive review of pedigree health data anywhere in the world. More information about what the organisation does for dog health is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/health.

Three in five dog owners say they want Government action or a ban, as a third of our nation’s canines ‘terrified’ of fireworks

Statistics released today (27 October), by dog welfare organisation The Kennel Club, show a sharp increase in dogs going missing during fireworks season, and highlights the significant stress and negative impact that fireworks displays cause for thousands of UK canine companions.

The research also reveals that three in five (60%) dog owners believe fireworks should be banned if the Government fails to take action on reducing the harmful effects that these can have on pets, while as many as four in five (80%) owners notice significant changes in their dog’s behaviour during fireworks. These behaviour changes, which are a common sign of stress, include unusual, excessive barking (29%), shivering and trembling (28%), hiding under various surfaces and avoiding contact (27%), howling and crying (18%) and excessive panting (18%).

And it is not just concerning behavioural changes, as 80% of owners also notice changes in their dog’s mood:

• 30% of owners believe their four-legged friend is terrified of fireworks
• 40% of owners notice their dog is scared
• And 52% say fireworks makes their dog anxious

Missing pet data from Petlog, one of the UK’s largest lost and found pet databases run by The Kennel Club, also shows 81% more dogs were reported missing by their owners during the two weeks of November 2023 which saw Bonfire Night and Diwali (30 October – 13 November), compared to the previous two weeks.

This year sees Diwali celebrations beginning this week, from 31 October and over the weekend – followed by Bonfire Night on 5 November. Both of these celebrations can be accompanied by bright and loud fireworks displays, which can negatively affect the behaviour of the UK’s pets, causing some to escape or run away due to distress and fear, with more than one in ten (13%) owners reporting their dog has attempted to flee during fireworks.

Because of the ongoing negative impacts of unregulated fireworks on the nation’s pets, The Kennel Club, alongside other welfare organisations, is urging Government to conduct a review of legislation with an event in Parliament this week. The organisation will recommend to MPs and decision-makers that fireworks be restricted to licensed events only, that the maximum decibel limit of fireworks is lowered in order to reduce harm cause to animals and vulnerable groups, and suggest the introduction of a fixed penalty notice system for the misuse of fireworks.

Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, said: “The unfamiliar sights and sounds of fireworks, including loud bangs, flashes of light and strange vibrations can be really distressing for dogs, as this research shows. Alongside thousands of dogs showing clear signs of fear during displays, there are also devastating longer-term consequences, with pets going missing and running away.

“The element of surprise is a key issue for owners and dogs. If owners can anticipate fireworks, they can manage their pet’s distress in a way that works for their dog, and we’re asking Government to recognise this and review legislation to better control their use.

“Whilst we urge policy-makers to consider our recommendations to protect dog welfare, we are also urging caution from owners this fireworks season. Every dog will react differently to fireworks and it is really important that owners know what do to and how they can help their four-legged friend, and keep them safe.”

To try and help dogs to get through fireworks season, The Kennel Club has created a Spotify playlist for owners to get their dogs used to the unusually loud noises. This can be played at home on a very low volume for a short amount of time to start with, and owners can slowly build up to avoid causing any distress. If your dog does start showing signs of distress, stop immediately, and seek help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist.

Of course, owners should also remember that there are multiple elements of fireworks which can trigger fear, from cracks and whistles to loud bangs, vibrations, flashing lights and the strong smells in the air. Whilst playing these sounds may help most dogs, it is not the complete remedy, and further advice from experts at The Kennel Club includes:

• Making a safe space for your pet filled with their favourite toys and blankets. You could drape a thick duvet over the top of it to make it more soundproof, but make sure that it’s secure and can’t fall on to your dog
• Shutting all the doors and windows, and keeping curtains closed to block the flashing lights
• Distracting your dog or trying to drown out the sounds by keeping the TV or radio switched on, or a washing machine or tumble drier which gives off vibrations
• Checking where and when displays are being held in your local area.  Also ask your neighbours to let you know if they are planning a private display 
• Quietly and affectionately acknowledging your dog’s calm and settled behaviour during fireworks
• Keeping your pet’s microchip details up to date makes it easier to reunite you with your dog, in case they run away or escape
• Trying to act and behave as normal – your dog will pick up on any unusual behaviour. Remain calm, happy and cheerful as this will send positive signals to your dog
• Think about walking your dog when it’s light during fireworks season, so it’s easier to avoid any nearby displays frightening your dog whilst you’re out.

More information and advice on how to help dogs to stay safe and comfortable during the fireworks season, as well as the organisation’s policy recommendations, is available via The Kennel Club’s website. To check if your pet’s microchip details are up to date, visit the Petlog website.

Following the General Election, The Kennel Club has congratulated the incoming Labour government, and Sir Keir Starmer on becoming Prime Minister, and calls for collaboration with the new Government to reshape laws surrounding dog welfare, encourage responsible breeding and support owners with caring for their pets.
Last month, the dog welfare organisation launched a wide-ranging eight-point plan which highlighted the key issues facing owners and their pets, and detailed the legislative changes and alternative measures which need to be taken to better dog welfare, advocating education and behaviour change to bring about improvements.

Mark Beazley, Chief Executive at The Kennel Club, said: “The Kennel Club congratulates Sir Keir Starmer on becoming Prime Minister, and the Labour Party, who have pledged to improve animal welfare and end puppy farming and smuggling. We therefore look forward to working with the incoming Labour government to protect dog welfare, help owners provide the best care for their pets, and ensure previous obligations, such as banning cruel electric shock collars, are prioritised.”

The Kennel Club manifesto can be found by visiting our website and more information about how The Kennel Club campaigns to make a difference for dogs and their owners is available here.

Young dog lovers and their four-legged-friends are preparing for another fun-filled start to the summer holidays in Rutland, as the annual Young Kennel Club (YKC) Summer Camp returns to Rutland Showground, for a fourth consecutive year.

With an action-packed week of activities, training and entertainment for both youngsters and their dogs, the YKC Summer Camp will kick off on Sunday 28 July until Friday 2 August and will welcome over 80 young dog enthusiasts, alongside their canine companions.

The Young Kennel Club has been running since 1985, with the first Summer Camp taking place in 1992, and 2021 saw the Camp take up residence at the showground for the first time. This summer, the YKC will welcome back children and teenagers between the ages of seven and sixteen, offering a perfect opportunity for them to enjoy a holiday with their dogs, whilst also keeping active, joining in with social events and taking part in plenty of training activities with their four-legged friends.

The week will include the opportunity to brush up on skills across a range of dog-focused disciplines, including a competition day which is new for this year, as well as agility, hoopers, obedience and heelwork to music. There will also be an educational programme that will provide information about all things canine – from dog grooming and care, to The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, as well as a packed evening schedule for the humans, with a sports night, talent night, quiz night and many more. YKC volunteers will be on hand as team leaders, which not only provides them with the invaluable developmental opportunity to put their leadership skills into practice, the younger members also benefit from being mentored by older members, who have been involved with the YKC for many years. 

YKC members must have a parent or guardian on-site at all times, but all the family are welcome to enjoy the fun, with onsite activities including daily bingo, camp fun run and many more.

Helen Kerfoot, spokesperson for the Young Kennel Club said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our members to YKC Summer Camp, both new and those returning once again. It is a real highlight of the summer, and helps to equip young dog lovers with the knowledge and awareness of what it means to be a responsible dog owner.

“Of course, there will also be plenty of fun and games, and opportunities to socialise, train and compete, as well as gain lifelong friendships.”

Parents of young dog lovers who may be interested in becoming a member of the Young Kennel Club should visit thekennelclub.org.uk/ykc for more information.

The Kennel Club is privileged to announce that His Majesty the King will be its new Patron, continuing in the footsteps of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who was Patron from 1952 until 2022.

The Kennel Club has been honoured with royal patronage since its inception in 1873, when the then Prince of Wales, Prince Edward, became its Patron. When Edward became King Edward VII in 1901, he began the tradition of the head of the monarchy taking on the role of Patron for The Kennel Club ever since.

Tony Allcock OBE, Kennel Club Chairman, commented: “We are delighted and most honoured that His Majesty the King will continue the tradition of royal support for The Kennel Club and help us in our mission in making a positive difference for dogs and their owners. As his mother before him, The King’s passion and affection for dogs is clear for all to see and his support for our organisation’s work is greatly appreciated.”