As a dog owner, it’s worth remembering that August to November is prime time for the spread of Seasonal Canine Illness.
This mysterious sickness can strike dogs down after they’ve been wandering through woodland, and can prove lethal if not caught early.
In this article, learn to spot the early signs of Seasonal Canine Illness so your pooch can get the right treatment and make a full recovery.
What is Seasonal Canine Illness?
Seasonal Canine Illness (SIC) is a rare but serious condition which can prove lethal to dogs if not treated.
It was discovered in 2010, and seems to affect dogs who have been on a woodland walk 24-72 hours before symptoms appear.
Most of these cases occur between August and November.
Veterinary research teams have yet to identify the specific cause of SIC.
Poisonous fungi have mostly been ruled out, though harvest mites, which are most active in late summer, have been noted as a potential cause.
Catching the illness early is the key to your dog’s survival, so it’s important to learn the early signs so you can get your pooch to a vet immediately.
Is Seasonal Canine Illness the same as Alabama rot?
No, these conditions have similarities but they aren’t the same. The main giveaway symptom of Alabama Rot is skin lesions, which do not show during Seasonal Canine Illness, Alabama rot attacks the kidneys, and the mortality rate for Alabama Rot is much higher. Early signs can look similar (vomiting, lethargy, diarrhoea) so it’s important to get your dog to a vet if they seem suddenly unwell.
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What are the symptoms of Seasonal Canine Illness?
Recognising these symptoms of SIC is critical, as catching it early ensures the best chance of your dog’s survival.
Vomiting which is sudden and severe.
Diarrhoea, sometimes watery or with blood.
Lethargy or extreme tiredness, your dog may seem “off” or weak.
Abdominal pain which means your dog cries when touched or doesn’t want to move.
High temperature/fever is often reported.
Muscle tremors or shaking as a sign of distress.
Loss of appetite, your dog isn’t interested in food when they usually would be.
The timing of these symptoms is very important to getting a diagnosis, so if the above symptoms appear during August-November, shortly after a walk in the woods, be sure to pass this on to your vet.
Is Seasonal Canine Illness deadly?
Yes, it can be deadly in some rare cases, and this likelihood rises if it goes untreated.
However, if caught early when symptoms first appear, the death rate is less than 5%. Many dogs make a full recovery with the right support and treatment.
How can I tell if my dog has Seasonal Canine Illness?
It’s tough to differentiate SCI from other sicknesses, as of course, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy can be symptoms of a virus, food poisoning or many other conditions.
The most important things to take into consideration are:
The time of year
Whether you’ve been for a walk in the woods recently
Whether your pooch has recently caught harvest mites. (To be on the safe side)
These are all indications that it could be SIC, and you should call a vet as a matter of urgency.
What causes Seasonal Canine Illness?
Though there is no known cause of Seasonal Canine Illness and medical research is still ongoing, there have been a few suspects.
As dogs tend to get SIC only between August and November and after walks in wooded areas, it stands to reason that it could stem from poison or toxins naturally occurring in nature, perhaps in fungal spores or soil.
Fungi/mushrooms and blue-green algae were initially considered potential causes, but researchers have ruled them out.
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Harvest mites are another potential - these tiny orange parasites exist on long grasses and latch onto passing animals to feed.
You’ll see evidence of harvest mites if you spot them as tiny orange dots on your dog’s body or face, or see the rash the mites leave behind.
Harvest mites are most common in shaded, wooded areas in late summer, which coincides with rising cases of Seasonal Canine Illness; however, they are still not confirmed as the definite cause.
How is Seasonal Canine Illness diagnosed?
Once you take your dog to the vet after showing symptoms, there is no definitive test to identify that your pooch has SIC.
The vet will listen to historical facts such as where your dog has been walking, the time of year and what symptoms they’re presenting, and SIC may be diagnosed as the most probable cause.
Is there a cure for Seasonal Canine Illness?
Thankfully, treatment for SIC is successful in most cases, so long as it’s caught early (within the first two days of showing symptoms).
In very rare cases, or if symptoms are ignored, the outlook is not good - SIC can prove fatal to some dogs who may eventually succumb to dehydration.
How is Seasonal Canine Illness treated?
If SIC is suspected, your vet will put your dog on emergency treatment, usually to rehydrate and support them through the sickness until the worst of the symptoms pass.
This might include:
Putting them on an intravenous drip.
Prescribing medication to reduce vomiting.
Offering probiotics to soothe their agitated digestive system.
Potentially providing pain relief.
In severe cases, your dog may be hospitalised so the vets can keep an eye on them overnight.
How to care for a dog with Seasonal Canine Illness
If your dog has been diagnosed with Seasonal Canine Illness and you’re allowed to go home, be sure to follow your vet’s guidance - the first days are the most critical for your dog’s recovery.
Feed your poorly pooch a bland, gently digestible food for dogs, such as white fish and rice, or a vet-recommended gastrointestinal dog food, in small, frequent portions.
Don’t force them to eat, but be sure to offer food, even if they aren’t hungry, so they keep their strength up.
The same goes for hydration; encourage them to drink small sips of water throughout the day. Your dog will need peace and quiet and lots of rest until their energy replenishes and they seem back to their old self.
Lots of dogs happily recover at home with the right treatment; however, you should monitor their symptoms closely, including if they continue to vomit or have diarrhoea.
Contact your vet immediately if anything worsens or new signs appear.
Are there ways to prevent Seasonal Canine Illness?
Though the cause of SIC is vague, there are some precautionary measures you can take to reduce the risk of your pooch picking up this dangerous condition.
Keep yourself aware of outbreaks, and avoid high-risk areas during this time.
If Seasonal Canine Illness is reported in your area, it’s best to limit any dog walks in woodlands or long grasses, especially in late summer and autumn.
If it’s unavoidable to walk through a forest, keep your dog on the lead, so they don’t go wandering into densely wooded or grassy areas and potentially pick up toxins or parasites.
To be extra careful, clean your dog down after walks, wiping their belly, legs and paws with a towel or cloth (this helps reduce the likelihood of any mites ‘latching on’).
In general, you can keep your dog’s immune system healthy with a n utrient and pre/probiotic-dense diet for dogs packed with supplements and whole proteins.
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Also, monitor their mood and behaviour so that if they are acting out of sorts, you’ll notice right away.