Dog bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea is sweeping Lancashire - here’s what vets are saying

There has been an increase in cases of the condition seen at veterinary practices across Lancashire recently.

The bug - which is suspected to be gastroenteritis - is causing dogs to vomit for days, and suffer excessive diarrhoea and blood in their stools.

In recent weeks, dogs have reportedly been taken sick in Leyland, Bamber Bridge, Penwortham and Preston, as well as across East Lancashire.

The outbreak has prompted an urgent warning from local vets to dog owners in South Ribble and Preston.

A local vets posted on social media: "We have had an increase in dogs suffering from gastroenteritis recently.

"The symptoms are usually vomiting and/or diarrhoea, a high temperature, shaking, reluctance to eat and generally being quiet and lethargic.

"If your dog has these symptoms and you are worried then please contact us.

"Also please try and avoid it spreading by not letting them socialise with other dogs, using good hand hygiene, cleaning up their faeces and avoiding contact with stagnant water or faeces on the ground."

What are the symptoms of the bug?

Symptoms of the bug include:

- Prolonged vomiting for five days or more

- Diarrhoea and blood in stools

- Dog appears run down or lethargic

- Dogs going off their food

Pet owners are warned to watch out for these symptoms after having seen an increased number of dogs who were suspected to have the bug.

The bug - which is suspected to be gastroenteritis - is causing dogs to vomit for days, and suffer excessive diarrhoea and blood in their stools

How is the dog diagnosed?

Vets will explore your dog's history in depth, alongside a physical examination, which involves taking the dog's temperature, and then a blood test.

Then, depending on the results, X-rays and ultrasound scans can be taken.

What is the treatment for the bug?

Most dogs are given anti-sickness medication, but in the most serious of cases, intravenous drips will be administered.

This suspected bug has also been reported at a number of locations across the country, with cases in the North West confirmed in Liverpool, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.