Local vets are urging dog owners not to panic amid widespread reports of pooches falling sick with a nasty tummy infection.
The gastro-intestinal bug is not confined to any particular area and appears to be affecting much of Galloway.
Such canine illnesses are not unusual in winter – but this particular outbreak seems to be worse than usual.
At the Galloway Veterinary Group in Kirkcudbright, vet Sarah McCarthy has treated numerous dogs with stomach upsets.
She said: “We have seen an increase in the number of dogs with watery diarrhoea and vomiting over the past week.
“Generally it’s quite mild symptoms which get better in a couple of days.
“Some dogs are quite bright but others are a wee bit quieter than normal.
“We have not had any cases that have needed to be hospitalised.
“All have been treated either in the surgery or at home.”
Mum of three Sarah, 38, from Borgue, whose husband Will is also a vet at the practice, has three dogs of her own.
Seven-year-old spaniel Peggie and Labrador Rosco, 10, have missed the bug so far.
But four-and-a-half month old Border terrier pup Hettie has been a bit off colour.
“The puppy did have a little bit of a tummy upset,” she said.
“But she got over it in 24 hours.
“In towns and cities everybody tends to take their dog for a walk in the same place.
“So I would say to people that if their dog does have diarrhoea to keep their pet in the garden for a day or two.
“That way you reduce the chance of them spreading it on to somebody else’s dog.”
Sarah added: “I don’t want people to panic.
“Clients have been coming in and asking about it because they have seen things on social media.
“One person was quite alarmed about parvovirus but this is not anything like that,
“If people are worried at all they should contact their local practice.
“Most dogs we see get over it on their own or with a little support or care.”
Stewartry Veterinary Centre in Dalbeattie has also seen an increase in cases.
A member of the practice team said: “I would just say to people to phone their vet to talk about any concerns they may have.”
