Mystery Dog Illness Hits the U.K

Hundreds of dogs in the U.K. have been affected by the growing 'mystery illness' sweeping the country, and with reports of a rise in cases of the 'acute gastrointestinal' disease rising, we thought we'd share what you actually need to know about the current situation.

Currently, the situation seems to predominantly be affecting dogs in Yorkshire, as well as Leeds, Sheffield, Bridlington and York, reported to see dogs falling ill with gastroenteritis-like symptoms.

On January 27, it was reported that the increase in cases over a three-week period now amounted to an ‘outbreak’ in Yorkshire.

One vet in Yorkshire has also confirmed that several dogs in the area with these symptoms have tested positive for parvovirus, with one dog losing its life to the disease.

At the moment, there's no need to change your usual routine or to worry too much about the virus. The best and only thing you can do is to be cautious of your dog developing any symptoms, and to contact your vet immediately if you do recognise your dog as having:

• Severe vomiting
• Severe diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Weakness

You should also keep an eye out for loss of appetite, lack of interest in exercise, and any blood in your dog’s stool.