Vets are warning dog owners about the risks of walking their pets in wet and muddy conditions this autumn, including a rare fatal disease known as Alabama Rot. Dr Tom Evans BSc (Hons), BVSc (Hons), GPCert (SAM), MRCVS, a Branch Partner at Medivet St Helens, has highlighted the dangers and shared five autumn walking risks to avoid.
Cleaning your dog could save their life
"Taking time to clean your dog properly after autumn walks could save their life and stop health issues from developing," Dr Tom Evans said. "It is believed that Alabama Rot, otherwise known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), a rare disease affecting dogs, may be linked to wet and muddy walks."
"Whilst Alabama Rot lacks long-term clinical research and the exact cause is unknown, cases have been linked to countryside walks in the UK, with research ongoing. The disease causes skin ulcers to develop and ultimately leads to kidney failure, so it’s important to clean up your dog after a wet or muddy walk."
What is Alabama Rot and how do you spot it?
According to People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, most dogs that develop the disease have recently been walked in countryside, forest, or muddy environments, particularly between November and May. Vets do not know the exact trigger in the mud, and walking in mud does not mean your dog will automatically get the disease.
Symptoms to watch out for include painful skin lesions, sores, ulcers or fur loss usually around the paws and lower legs, face, mouth, tongue and lower body, loss of appetite, tiredness and lethargy, and vomiting. After three days, signs of kidney failure such as increased thirst and urination, having a lower appetite and losing weight, will appear.
The vet says that if your dog gets caught out in the rain, always rinse them off and then dry them thoroughly with a towel, as warm, damp fur creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and infection. This issue is more commonly found below the knee or elbow, so be especially vigilant in cleaning their legs and paws first.
Stay vigilant with slugs and snails
The vet says lungworm is a parasite that can be fatal for dogs, often picked up from infected slugs and snails on wet, autumn walks. He advises keeping your dog close and not letting them rummage out of sight.
He said: "Cases of the disease can significantly vary depending on your location, so I’d also advise that you talk to your vet about the prevalence of risk of the disease in your area to determine the appropriate form of parasite control needed for your pet."
Other autumnal toxins and garden dangers
"Conkers and acorns are common around woods, forests and parks in the UK, but they can pose a huge risk to dogs," Dr Tom Evans said. "Not only can conkers block your dog’s airways, but they also contain a chemical called aesculin, which can cause internal damage if eaten."
"Acorns are also toxic to dogs due to the presence of tannic acid, which can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. In severe cases, acorns can even cause internal damage and kidney disease." Piles of wet leaves are a perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria, which can make your dog seriously ill. If you think your dog has consumed any of these toxins, contact your vet immediately.
Dr Tom Evans also warned about slug pellets, which are poisonous to dogs, containing metaldehyde, which can cause tremors and convulsions, and are usually fatal without immediate treatment. He added: "Keep your dog on the lead when strolling near gardens of people you don’t know to reduce the risk and always ensure that you are not using these pellets in your own garden to help keep your pet safe."
Staying visible in the dark
Dr Tom Evans said: "As the sun begins to set earlier, ensure you and your dog are visible if you’re heading out in the dark. Wear brightly coloured clothing and put a high-vis coat on your dog to ensure you can be spotted when crossing the road. Light-up collars that flash make your dog impossible to miss are also a good option. Finally, remember to never let your dog off the lead in the dark, as they can be difficult to spot and get easily disorientated in low visibility."
