Hello fellow pups and pawrents! 🐶
Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) is a rare but serious condition that can affect dogs who have recently walked in woodland areas. Most cases occur between August and November, when the damp, leafy autumn ground becomes an ideal breeding place for this mysterious illness.
No exact cause has been found yet, though research suggests that harvest mites are often present on dogs suffering from SCI. However, this connection has not been proven.
SCI can be very dangerous and has sadly caused several deaths. The main symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy, and veterinary help should be sought immediately if these symptoms occur after walking in woodland.
Places such as Sandringham Estate and Thetford Forest have had confirmed cases, but dogs across many woodlands in the UK have been affected, so no woodland can be considered completely safe.
Because the cause is still unknown, vets can’t give specific advice on how to prevent it. However, it’s best to stay alert for the first signs of illness and keep dogs on a lead during woodland walks. Checking for mites afterwards and using a preventative mite spray may also help. Here at The Barking Bugle, we prefer to avoid woodland walks altogether until the weather turns cold and frosty and there have been a couple of good hard ground frosts.
Make sure your humans are aware of SCI so they can keep you safe and healthy.
Stay safe out there, and keep those tails wagging!
Woofs, Ziggy Bear 🐾
Now that you know how to stay safe on woodland walks, why not plan a pawsome getaway? Sniff out The Barking Bugle’s Doggy Tourist Guide to Norfolk — it’s packed with tail-wagging ideas for your next adventure, from the best dog-friendly beaches and days out to cosy places where pups are truly welcome. And don’t forget to pad back to our home page for more wag-worthy tips, adventures and dog-friendly spots around Norfolk!
Woofs, Miss Zsa Zsa – Canine Editor 🐾
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