Vets issue advice following reports of dogs hit by vomiting bug

THE British Veterinary Association (BVA) has issued advice for worried dog owners following a spike in the number of acute gastroenteritis cases being reported in many parts of the country.

Vets as well as owners have reported cases of dogs being struck by a vomiting bug, with symptoms including more frequent vomiting than is usually seen in canine gastroenteritis cases, accompanied in a few instances by diarrhoea, anorexia and lethargy.

Some 474 such reports had been recorded via a dedicated University of Liverpool veterinary surveillance database, called SAVSNET, since it went live on January 30. Most cases are confined to England and Wales, with one in Northern Ireland.

Researchers report that affected dogs usually make a full recovery following prompt veterinary care. However, a small number of deaths have been reported, but it is currently not clear if these are linked to the condition under investigation.

BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said: “We are aware of a spike in cases of prolific vomiting in dogs being reported by vets in several parts of the country. While pet owners are understandably worried, the cases may be part of a normal increase in gastroenteritis that vets usually see during the colder months.

“Our advice to owners is to call their local vet for advice in the first instance if their dog shows any of these symptoms. If your dog is ill, we’d encourage minimising contact with other dogs in the vicinity until veterinary advice has been sought.”