If you are planning any woodland walks this autumn, you need to be aware of the risk of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI).
What is Seasonal Canine Illness?
This condition affects dogs during the autumn months and can be fatal, especially if it is not treated promptly. Seasonal Canine Illness could potentially affect any dog, particularly after walking through woodland areas. Here’s what you need to know about the condition.
What Causes Seasonal Canine Illness?
Seasonal Canine Illness is something of a mystery, in that experts are not entirely sure why it develops. It affects some (but not all) dogs that have recently walked in woodland between August and November. Harvest Mites have been put forward as a possible cause of Seasonal Canine Illness as some affected dogs were found to have them. However, any link between the two is not confirmed and the exact cause of the condition is unknown at present.
Spotting the Signs of Seasonal Canine Illness
Symptoms of Seasonal Canine Illness can include diarrhoea, vomiting and weakness. These will usually develop within 24 to 72 hours of walking through woodland. Other signs can include fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and shaking or trembling. A small number of dogs that have fallen ill with Seasonal Canine Illness have also presented with a rash on their legs and stomach.
If your dog starts to seem unwell after a woodland walk, speak to your vet as soon as possible.
Prompt Treatment is Crucial
If you suspect that your dog has developed Seasonal Canine Illness, seek medical advice from a vet as soon as possible. Your vet will want to rule out other underlying factors that could be causing your dog’s symptoms. Typical signs of Seasonal Canine Illness could also be the result of various other conditions, although SCI will be suspected if you have taken your dog on any woodland walks in the days leading up to the onset of symptoms.
Prompt treatment does not guarantee that your dog will get better but it can significantly increase survival chances, and many dogs will successfully recover within 7 to 10 days.
Can I Protect My Dog Against Seasonal Canine Illness?
Because the exact causes of Seasonal Canine Illness is not currently known, it is very difficult for experts to suggest how best to protect your dog and if it is indeed possible.
A potential link to Harvest Mites means that treating your dog against these before woodland walks is a good idea. Not all spot-on treatments offer protection against mites and other parasites so you’ll need to make sure that you are using an effective product. Sprays can be a better choice for treating mites as they can get between the toes and target an infestation more effectively than spot-ons. Speak to your vet about the best option for your dog.