Every autumn and winter, UK pet owners start to hear worrying reports of dogs becoming suddenly unwell after woodland walks. Two conditions are often mentioned: Canine Seasonal Illness (CSI) and Alabama rot (also called CRGV – cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy). While both are uncommon, they can be serious. Here’s what you should know, how to reduce risk, and when to call us for advice or an appointment.
Canine Seasonal Illness (CSI)
CSI is a sudden-onset sickness that typically affects dogs after visits to woodland, most often between late August and November. The exact cause is still unclear. Ticks, harvest mites, moulds and environmental toxins have all been suggested, but there’s no single proven trigger.
What to look out for (usually within 24–72 hours of a woodland walk):
- Repeated vomiting (often the first sign)
- Diarrhoea, sometimes with blood or mucus
- Lethargy and reluctance to exercise
- Dehydration, drooling, or wobbliness in some cases
- Occasionally mild fever
How risky is it?
CSI remains uncommon, and most dogs recover well with prompt supportive care. The main risk is dehydration and discomfort if vomiting and diarrhoea are left untreated, especially in dogs that are young, elderly, or have a long-term condition.
Home prevention and after-walk habits:
- Rinse and dry paws, legs and underside to remove mud and debris.
- Keep parasite control up to date.
- Carry fresh water to discourage puddle drinking.
- Consider a lead near muddy areas.
When to call us:
If your dog starts vomiting, having diarrhoea or being lethargic – especially after a woodland walk – get in touch with us right away.
What we may do:
- A full physical exam, including temperature and hydration checks
- Anti-nausea medication and stomach protectants
- Fluids (oral or intravenous) to help with dehydration
- Blood tests, if needed
Alabama rot (CRGV)
Alabama rot is a rare but more serious illness. It damages small blood vessels in the skin and, sometimes, kidneys. The earliest clue is usually an unexplained skin sore, often on the lower legs, paws, elbows, belly or face. Some dogs develop acute kidney injury a few days later, which can be life-threatening.
What to look out for:
- New skin ulcers or erosions without a clear injury (often circular, red or raw, sometimes oozing).
- Licking or soreness around a lesion.
- Reduced appetite, vomiting, increased thirst/urination or producing very little urine.
- Lethargy and weakness.
How risky is it?
Although cases have been reported throughout the UK, Alabama rot remains rare. Outcomes vary, and prognosis worsens if kidney damage is established. Because early signs can be subtle, rapid assessment is essential if you notice skin lesions alongside other signs of illness.
Home prevention and after-walk habits:
- As with CSI, rinse and dry after muddy walks to remove potential irritants and make checks easier.
- Perform a paw-and-leg inspection daily: look between toes, pads and on the belly for any skin lesions.
- Keep fur around paws trimmed (if they are fluffy) to reduce mud trapping.
- Record where you walked; this can be extremely helpful if we need to investigate clusters.
When to call us about Alabama rot concerns:
If you find a new, unexplained sore on your pet’s paws, lower legs, belly or face, or notice that your dog is unwell (vomiting, not eating, lethargic) with or without skin lesions, get in touch with us right away.
What we may do:
- Full examination and assessment of skin lesions, sometimes with skin sampling
- Blood and urine tests to check kidney function
- Wound care, pain relief and IV fluids
Risk factors and precautions
Most dogs who enjoy muddy, leafy adventures never develop either condition. The risk appears to be higher in autumn to early winter, especially in woodland with dense leaf litter, bracken and boggy areas. Dogs that love ditches, puddles and leaf mould may pick up more debris and irritants on their skin.
Simple habits go a long way: rinse and dry after walks, perform daily checks, keep up with parasite control, and take fresh drinking water on walks. These steps don’t guarantee prevention, but they improve early detection and comfort.
Myth buster
“They’re contagious between dogs.”
There’s no strong evidence that either CSI or Alabama rot spread between dogs.
“A rinse cures or prevents everything.”
Hygiene helps, but isn’t a silver bullet; staying vigilant for early signs is essential.
“Only certain breeds are at risk.”
Cases occur across many breeds and dog sizes, but Labradors, English springer spaniels, whippets, and Hungarian vizslas are frequently mentioned as having higher rates of Alabama rot disease.
We’re here to help
If you’re worried about CSI or Alabama rot, or have noticed any of the signs above, contact us straight away. Tell us when and where you walked, what you’ve seen, and how your dog is acting now. We want to make sure your dog stays happy and healthy throughout the colder season.
