Dog walkers have been warned of a “flesh-eating” disease affecting pets, as vets warned owners to take extra precautions on muddy walks.

The urgent warning comes following an outbreak of the potentially fatal disease, known as Alabama Rot or CRVG, which can cause dog’s flesh to rot, hit the UK last year.

The rare illness can block blood vessels in your dog’s kidneys and skin.

This is what you should look out for.

Symptoms of Alabama Rot

The first symptoms of Alabama rot are usually lesions, ulcers, or sores that typically appear on the lower leg, stomach and face. Your dog will lick at the wound, which might cause baldness.

Within a couple of days, your dog could show signs of kidney failure which include a lack of appetite, being sick, and unusual tiredness.

Catrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance explains: “Alabama rot is a disease that causes blood to clot in the blood vessels, which leads to kidney damage and can sadly result in kidney failure.

“While the exact cause of Alabama rot is not yet known, dogs may be at risk on autumn walks as it's suspected that the disease spreads from wet, muddy and wooded areas. Unfortunately, the only prevention advice from vets is to make sure to wash your dog following any wet and muddy walks.

“If your dog is showing any of these symptoms without an obvious injury, it’s time to visit the vet.”

What causes Alabama rot?

The exact cause of Alabama rot is unknown, although research is ongoing. Most reports come from dog owners who walk their dogs in the countryside, and most cases are reported during winter and spring.

Cases are generally less common in the summer months compared to the winter months. The first case was reported in America, in the 1980s and at first it was thought to only affect Greyhounds.

It is now understood to affect all breeds, ages and sizes of dog.

How can you protect your dog from Alabama rot?

Wash all mud off following wet and muddy walks, especially if you’ve gone through woodland areas.

What is the treatment for Alabama rot?

Due to the underlying cause of Alabama rot still being unknown, there is no specific treatment. If your dog is showing symptoms of Alabama rot, it’s vital your dog is taken to the vets promptly, so a plan can be decided and treatment can begin. “