What is Alabama Rot? Vet warns of potentially fatal dog disease - and other canine hazards to look out for this autumn

And it could be a fairly unpredictable few months, with the threat of the El Nino weather front bringing wet and stormy weather.

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Vets are urging owners to be aware of the risks that woodlands, forests and parks could bring in the coming months, including fatal dog parasites and rare diseases.

Dr Tom Evans, Branch Partner at Medivet St Helens, one of the UK’s leading veterinary care providers, has shared the risks to avoid - including the rare Alabama Rot disease - and how to keep your pet safe.

Here’s what he had to say.

What is Alabama Rot?

Alabama Rot, otherwise known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV), a rare disease affecting dogs.

What are the symptoms of Alabama Rot?

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
• After three days, signs of kidney failure such as increased thirst and urination, having a lower appetite and losing weight, will appear
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness and lethargy
• Vomiting

What causes Alabama Rot?

It is believed that Alabama Rot 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.

How can I protect my dog from Alabama Rot?

Taking time to clean your dog properly after wet and muddy autumn walks could save their life and stop health issues from developing.

If your dog gets caught out in the rain, always rinse off your dog 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.

What else can I do to protect my dog from autumn health hazards?

Stay vigilant with slugs and snails

Lungworm is a parasite that can be fatal for dogs. Often picked up from infected slugs and snails on wet, autumn walks, it’s best to keep your dog close and don’t let them rummage out of sight. “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.

Avoid autumnal toxins

Conkers and acorns are common around woods, forests and parks in the UK, but they can pose a huge risk to dogs. “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. Keep an eye on your dog when the leaves have dropped to prevent them from sniffing around big piles.“If you think your dog has consumed any of these toxins, contact your vet immediately.

Take care near gardens

Snails and slugs are a common gripe for gardeners in autumn, meaning lots of keen, green-fingered individuals will use slug pellets to kill them. “Slug pellets are poisonous to dogs, containing metaldehyde, which can cause tremors and convulsions, and are usually fatal without immediate treatment, so always see your vet upon the first sign of illness. 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.

Stay visible

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.

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