Besides the usual allergies and pests that might harm your pet during the change of seasons, there is also the risk of other potentially harmful illnesses that can affect your dog due to a fun romp in the woods. U.K. dog walkers should be aware of S.C.I. (Seasonal Canine Illnesses) symptoms that may indicate your dog is suffering from one or more of these illnesses.
Symptoms of an S.C.I. might include lethargy, diarrhoea and/or vomiting and may appear as soon as 24 to 74 hours after spending time in the woods. Since 2010, some mysterious illnesses that might prove fatal to our canine friends have been reported in such woodlands as Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park (among others).
Although the mystery S.C.I.s have been reported in only a few forests, there could be a potential outbreak in any woodland area, so dog walkers are advised to take immediate steps to get your dog to a vet if symptoms appear after a walk. All dog owners should also spread the word about these dangers to other dog lovers.
August through November have been the most active months for reporting seasonal canine illnesses linked with woodland walks. Be sure you get the complete picture of how a walk in the woodlands might affect your dog, and keep aware of the areas causing the problems.
No one knows what causes this S.C.I. that has so many Britons on alert for their canine friends’ health and safety. The latest report indicates that the disease, which killed over 17 dogs in England, is that it could be “Alabama Rot” (also known as “idiopathic renal glomerular vasculopathy) which was first believed to affect only greyhounds.
The disease first appeared in the 1980s in America, and veterinarians say that this new S.C.I. looks very much like the “Alabama Rot” disease that killed many dogs in the U.S.A. Vets urge that if symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy persist in your dog for at least 12 hours, you take him to a vet. This is especially true if you’ve recently walked the dog in a wooded area.
Scientific studies indicate that the disease could be a form of E.coli that is rare but may be able to affect other breeds of dogs besides greyhounds. If the disease goes untreated, it could lead to liver failure in the dog.
Find out all you can about this devastating canine S.C.I. and take necessary precautions when walking your dog. Dog walkers should ensure they walk their dogs in safe areas and be sure to clean up after them at all times.
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