Mystery dog vomiting illness: here’s what we know

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Dog owners across the UK have reported that their pets have been falling ill with a ‘mystery’ bug, and one case has been near to the Sussex coast.

The British Veterinary Association said the reports of ‘gastroenteritis-like symptoms’ had sparked speculation that the illness could be linked with visits to beaches.

Common symptoms reported by owners so far – with one case reported on Hayling Island – include dogs being weak and listless, shaking and vomiting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Healthy dogs in Sussex. Picture: Steve Robards, SR1921358.Healthy dogs in Sussex. Picture: Steve Robards, SR1921358.
Healthy dogs in Sussex. Picture: Steve Robards, SR1921358.

BVA President Justine Shotton has advised owners not to panic and to talk to their vet if they have any concerns.

She said: “Vets see gastroenteritis cases relatively commonly in practice, but numbers seem to be increasing and more widespread than usual.”

“At this time, we can’t speculate on what might be causing the symptoms, and there is currently no evidence to suggest a direct link between the illness and the dogs visiting the beaches.”