Urgent warning to dog owners as dangerous vomiting virus reaches North West

Dog owners are being warned about a dangerous vomiting virus that’s been spreading throughout the country in recent weeks.

Some dogs have been left vomiting for five days, as well as bleeding, with one vet saying there’s been an increase of the ‘unusual’ illness.

Now an urgent warning has been issued as the virus spreads, with symptoms including prolonged vomiting (for five days or more), diarrhoea, being lethargic, blood in stools and not eating.

Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, vet and veterinary clinical services manager at Vets4Pets, said: “Our vets across the UK have reported a general increase in cases of this condition, so we need to make dog owners aware of what signs they should be looking out for.

“Affected dogs are vomiting a lot more frequently than is typically seen with canine gastroenteritis. The frequency and persistence of the vomiting is quite unusual, and so it makes cases stand out. In some cases, dogs have been vomiting profusely for up to five days, with five or more bouts within a 12-hour period.

“Some are also suffering from diarrhoea and are lethargic and off their food. Should an owner suspect that their dog may be suffering from this condition, they should immediately contact their local veterinary practice for advice.

“There is some anecdotal evidence that affected dogs can transmit the disease to other dogs, which is why it is important that owners keep an eye out for any signs of the condition and then contact their veterinary practice if their dog begins to display any.”

The illness has been reported at a number of locations around the country, from Norfolk to Manchester, with dogs being taken sick throughout the North West, including Lancashire, Liverpool, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Dr Butler-Davies added: “The Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) at the University of Liverpool is currently investigating the potential outbreak, so it is also important that any vets that see a case pass the information on to this organisation to help them monitor the situation and then give the best advice on any future control measures.

“This is obviously very worrying for dog owners throughout the UK, but it is important that they remain calm, but vigilant, and contact their local vets if they have any concerns.”