A veterinary and scientific research charity in west Suffolk is calling on dog-lovers to support its first-ever Cures4Paws awareness week.

The Animal Health Trust (AHT), which is based at Kentford, near Newmarket, is launching the week to raise awareness of several diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and blindness which can affect dogs.

Vets and scientists at the AHT are striving to tackle such conditions and work tirelessly to do so – without any government funding.

Over its 75-year history the charity has pioneered the use of MRI in the diagnosis and management of problems in the brain and nervous system, and developed more than 25 DNA tests to tackle diseases affecting more than 50 breeds of dog.

Kevin Clements, director of fundraising and marketing at the AHT, said: “We are a nation of animal lovers, but what many people don’t realise is that there aren’t many places dedicated to improving treatment, diagnostics and ways to actually prevent diseases affecting our beloved pets.

“This is what makes the AHT so unique and so vitally important.

“In the UK, our pets are more at risk of developing a disease such as cancer than they are of being neglected. Losing a pet is a lot like losing a member of the family.

“Our dogs love us unconditionally and it is soul-destroying to lose your dog to a disease which your vet either couldn’t diagnose early enough or wasn’t able to treat because veterinary medicine doesn’t currently have the answers.

“Research is expensive, even with the very best teams you don’t find the answers overnight, and this is why we need more people to know about the AHT and more people to support us, as an investment in their, and every, pet’s future health.”

The charity is asking dog owners all over the country to ‘raise a paw’ to celebrate Cures4Paws week from September 17-23.

People are invited to share their photo high-fiving or shaking a paw with their dog on social media with the hashtag #Cures4Paws and can donate by texting DOGS24 £5 to 70070.