Autumn presents a wonderful season for our four-legged companions for numerous reasons. The milder temperatures help canines better control their body heat and enable them to savour outdoor activities more fully, whilst the scent and texture of crispy fallen foliage provide an ideal sensory adventure for our furry friends.
This time of year also brings fewer troublesome bugs and reduced pollen levels, meaning there are less irritating elements to bother dogs, particularly during their daily constitutional. The catalogue of autumn advantages could continue indefinitely.
Nevertheless, alongside the positives come negatives, and in this instance, a caution that has been delivered to dog owners is rather serious, as specialists warn pet parents to remain vigilant about a potentially fatal condition.
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The Kennel Club noted that “although autumnal walks with your dog can be beautiful, it’s important to be aware of the seasonal dangers that could be harmful to them”, with one such threat being an illness called Alabama rot.
Alabama rot or cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) represents a deadly condition that obstructs and harms the blood vessels within a dog’s skin and kidneys, reports the Express.
The root cause of this illness remains a mystery, though according to The Kennel Club, it is “believed to be related” to dogs exercising in boggy terrain. Numerous canines that have perished from this disease had been walking through muddy locations shortly before falling ill.
Whilst Alabama rot occurs infrequently, it remains crucial that owners implement protective measures to safeguard their beloved pets. Signs of Alabama rot can initially manifest as “unexplained” marks, sores, or ulcers, usually on a dog’s legs or paws.
Specialists suggest two approaches for keeping dogs safe and preventing them from becoming ill: keeping dogs away from muddy areas or washing and drying them thoroughly after muddy or wet walks.
If you notice any early symptoms of Alabama rot, contact your vet immediately. Seeking veterinary treatment straight away could help your dog’s chances of survival.
The Kennel Club added: “Dogs only showing skin ulcers will usually be treated non-invasively, while dogs showing signs of kidney problems will need more intensive supportive care.
“At the moment Alabama rot can only be confirmed once a dog is dead and so it is impossible to know how many dogs survive. The survival rate is believed to be low, so to give your dog the best possible chance of survival, it is important that supportive care starts as soon as possible”.
