An urgent warning has been issued to dog owners across the UK after a suspected virus has led to a surge in cases of severe vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. Veterinary surgeon Emily Nightingale, from the Forge Veterinary Centre in Halstead, Essex, reported seeing double the usual number of cases over the past week.
Symptoms include prolonged vomiting for five days or more, diarrhoea, and blood in stools. Affected dogs may also appear lethargic or lose their appetite. One dog was so unwell it could barely walk and had to be carried into the clinic.
Nightingale said she contacted other local practices and found similar increases in cases. The suspected bug has also been reported in Liverpool, Norfolk, and near Colchester. While no dogs have died at her clinic, she emphasised the importance of early treatment.
“The dogs that responded best to the treatment are the ones that had treatment the quickest,” she said. She advised owners to be vigilant and contact their vet if their dog shows signs of illness.
