Autumn Series: Seasonal Canine Illness

Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) is a condition that affects dogs during the autumn months. Symptoms usually appear 1-3 days after being walked in woodland. This condition can affect dogs of any size, age or gender. Its causes are currently unknown however, researchers are currently testing the link between Harvest Mites and the illness. Initially, researchers believed a specific algae or wild mushrooms were the cause but this has recently been disproven.

The strange thing about this condition is, that its symptoms tend not to show up until around 48-72 hours after the woodland walk. This can certainly cause some confusion among dog owners. Where the symptoms are delayed, they can often be mistaken for other things such as food.

There are some very generic symptoms here which can often get mistaken for other conditions:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Muscle Tremors
• Feeling Lethargic
• High Temperature
• Abdominal Pain
• Dehydration

Symptoms can be any of the above and in very rare cases, all of them.

It can be very tricky for a vet to diagnose Seasonal Canine Illness because its symptoms are incredibly similar to so many other conditions. Not only this but also because very little is known about the condition, including the cause.

There is a very strong link between SCI and Harvest Mites. If your dog presents with any of the above symptoms and also has Harvest Mites present, it is a strong indication the issue is SCI.

In most cases, the symptoms will clear up within one week and in some instances may require antibiotics or anti-sickness tablets.

We recommend consulting your vet if you have any concerns and if your dog has presented with any of the above symptoms 48 hours after a walk in the woods.

It is incredibly important to keep your dog hydrated. To avoid the risk of Harvest Mites which could be a potential cause, keep your dog away from large piles of leaves as they can be very damp at the bottom of the pile, the perfect environment for mites to thrive!

Most importantly, to ensure your dog has a good functioning immune system. The first place to look when supporting the immune system is diet. A natural, healthy raw diet rich in antioxidants will help your dog fight pathogens. Nourishing your dog with highly nutritious food will help protect your pooch.

Try our Paleo Plus range for optimum nutrition.