Dog owners warned about spike in vomiting bug cases

Vets say more pooches are getting gastroenteritis and the vomiting has been worse than usual.

The condition, which also causes lethargy and diarrhoea, has affected pets around the UK, from Oxford to Liverpool, in recent weeks.

Vets4Pets, which has practices across the country, says owners should look out for the symptoms and act quickly if they think their dog has contracted the virus.

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.

“This is obviously a very unpleasant condition for dogs, and so the quicker owners act, the faster their dog can get treatment.”

She added that owners should remain ‘calm, but vigilant’ and contact a vet if they have any concerns.