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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
Returning for my seventh year as a Crufts presenter, I had the pleasure of working alongside the brilliant Clare Balding, Ellie Simmonds, and Radzi Chinyanganya. A major highlight for 2026 was welcoming the brilliant Claudia Winkleman to our presenting family for her Crufts debut. She joined me for the Junior Vet Workshop, an interactive feature where we inspired the next generation by demonstrating essential clinical skills like suturing and CPR.
Managing the Cost of Dog Ownership & Vet Care
In one of the week’s most critical segments, I sat down with the BVA President for a live “sofa chat” to address the rising cost of veterinary care.
- The Financial Reality: We discussed how the lifetime cost of a dog now ranges from £6,000 to £19,000.
- Budgeting for Care: Our talk focused on removing the guilt from financial conversations, emphasizing that lower-cost options do not have to mean poorer welfare.
- Value of Prevention: We highlighted how preventative care – such as maintaining a healthy weight – is the most effective way to reduce long-term veterinary bills.
Expert Dog Health Insights & Features
Throughout the event, we explored evidence-based strategies to improve your dog’s quality of life:
- The Obesity Crisis: With 51% of UK dogs now classified as overweight, we demonstrated Body Condition Scoring (BCS) to help owners recognize a healthy shape.
- Mobility & Physiotherapy: We showcased how simple at-home massage and physio can improve limb function by up to 40% in dogs with mobility issues.
- Dental Hygiene: Since 80% of dogs over age three have dental disease, we provided a practical guide to daily brushing to prevent systemic health issues.
Behavior Decoded: Our “Why Does My Dog…?” series explained the science behind common habits like zoomies and nesting instincts.
Interactive Q&A Sessions
My favourite part of the week remains the Live Q&A segments. Answering viewer health questions – from first aid for chocolate toxicity to managing senior dog arthritis – allows us to provide immediate, expert advice to the national audience.
Whether we were revealing Scrufts DNA results or baking dog-friendly cakes, the focus for 2026 was clear: happy, healthy dogs start with informed owners. I hope to see you there next year!
