Dog owners issued urgent warning as dangerous illness peaks in November

This certain illness in dogs can be extremely life threatening if not treated straight away…

November is a particularly dangerous time for dogs, as reported cases of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) tend to spike during this period. Although the condition is still relatively uncommon, it can have severe and potentially life threatening efforts on our four legged friends.

Most cases are reported between August and November and are often linked to walks in wood and forested areas, where dogs are exposed to the bacteria that can trigger this illness.

Dr Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, explains: ” Seasonal Canine Illness tends to affect dogs within 24 to 72 hours of woodland walks, often in damp areas with heavy leaf litter, but the exact cause has not been definitively identified. What we do know is that it can escalate quickly and that prompt veterinary treatment greatly improves the chances of a full recovery.

“The speed at which symptoms develop is what concerns us most,” the vet notes. “Dogs can seem perfectly fine after their walk and then deteriorate within hours.”

How to spot Seasonal Canine Illness:

Dogs will have several symptoms if they are experiencing SCI. These symptoms include:

Vomiting, often persistent and severeDiarrhoea, which may contain bloodMarked lethargy and weaknessAbdominal painLoss of appetiteFever, and sometimes muscle tremors

Dr Warner stresses that unlike minor tummy issues which often clear up on their own, Seasonal Canine Illness can rapidly become life threatening if left untreated. She warned that any dog showing these warning symptoms should be seen by a vet the very same day.

She added: “With early fluids and supportive care, most dogs recover well, and we have seen survival rates improve over the past decade.”

How to keep your dog safe during autumnal walks

Although the exact cause of Seasonal Canine Illness is still unknown, the condition has strong links to woodland environments and the autumn period. Harvest mites are often found on dogs suffering from this illness, but experts have not yet proven that they are directly responsible for the illness.

Dr Warner recommends:

Avoid areas with dense leaf litter and standing water where possible.Keeping dogs on paths rather than allowing them to forage through thick undergrowth.Using veterinary-prescribed treatments to reduce the risk of harvest mite infestation and seek veterinary advice if you find mites in your dog.Washing or wiping paws and legs after woodland walks.Keeping dogs well hydrated before and after exercise.Monitor your dog closely for 72 hours following any woodland activity.Seeking immediate veterinary care if any vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or other concerning signs appear.

Despite ongoing research, vets stress that owners should keep the condition in mind but be aware that some dogs with upset stomachs after autumnal walks may have just ate something that does not agree with them/

Dr Warner explains: “Most dogs with an upset stomach after a walk will not have Seasonal Canine Illness.”

The vet emphasises: “However, because the early signs look very similar, we would always rather see a dog early and rule SCI out than wait and risk severe dehydration or shock. The difference between treatment started within hours versus waiting until the next day can be significant.”

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