Dog breeding defects emerge as top concern for vets
Latest figures show breeding and hereditary defects are now the top health and welfare concern for vets in the UK, according to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) who is encouraging veterinary teams to speak to clients about responsible dog breeding and buying this Puppy Awareness Week (4-10 September).
According to BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, which polled almost 700 vets across the UK, over half (52.5%) of all the vets cited breeding and hereditary defects as the most pressing animal health and welfare issue, which is more than double the proportion expressing concern just two years ago. They were a particular concern for vets working in companion animal practice, with around two-thirds (66%) citing it as a major issue.
The Canine Health Schemes, run by BVA and the Kennel Club (KC), screen dogs for inherited conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia, hereditary eye disease, and Chiari-malformation/Syringomyelia. Dog owners and breeders can use the results to make more informed breeding decisions and help improve the health of breeds susceptible to debilitating or life-limiting inherited conditions.
Pre-breeding testing and screening are not just for purebred pedigree dogs- screening is also important for crossbreed dogs, such as Labradoodles and Cockerpoos, which are becoming increasingly popular.
British Veterinary Association President Gudrun Ravetz said:
“With breeding and hereditary defects emerging as the number one animal health and welfare concern for vets, it is more important than ever to screen before breeding dogs. Vets in practice regularly see cases of inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems that are debilitating and distressing for dogs.
“The good news is that we have schemes and tests in place that help breeders and owners make sound judgements about responsible breeding. The BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes and Kennel Club DNA testing services are critical tools for breeders. Anyone thinking of breeding from their dog or thinking about buying a puppy should ask their vet about available health schemes and how they can be used to inform their decisions.”
During Puppy Awareness Week, BVA is also working with the Animal Welfare Foundation to promote the use of the Puppy Contract, which contains a section for the breeder to fill out about any health screening or DNA results to offer reassurance to owners.
BVA, in partnership with ITN Productions, has developed a 4-minute film on responsible dog breeding and buying that can be played in practice waiting rooms or on social media channels, which also explains the process and benefits of the Canine Health Schemes.
More details about the BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes can be found at: https://www.bva.co.uk/Canine-Health-Schemes/
