Vet's warning over beach visits after pets fall ill with sickness and diarrhoea

Owners have been given advice on what to steer clear of following a spate of calls to help dogs ill with vomiting and diarrhoea.

With more people heading for the coast to take their lockdown walks, it is hoped dog walkers will help take steps to ensure their animal is stopped from eating anything they find on the shoreline or from drinking sea water to help prevent further illness.

They have also been advised to wash a dog’s feet following each walk.

Coquet Vets, which is based in Amble, has said it has treated cases after owners visited the town, the Walkworth area and the Northumberland coast with their dog.

A spokesperson for the practice said: “We have seen a lot of dogs with vomiting and diarrhoea in this area.

“If your dog has vomited or passed diarrhoea, has stopped eating – which is not normal for your dog – or is just not quite right please do not hesitate to call us.

"We have found most of these cases are needing treatment and are not resolving on their own.

“We do not know what is causing this, but we please urge you to wash, clean and dry your dog's feet after every walk.

“DO NOT let your dog eat seaweed, sand, sea water, especially the sea froth that washes up.”

Advice on what do to if a dog is sick can be found through this PDSA advice page: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs

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