This autumn Jerry Green Dog Rescue is highlighting the dangers of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) as dog owners take to the countryside.

The charity is calling for dog owners to be extra vigilant during the autumn months especially following visits to woodland.

Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) is a mysterious and potentially fatal illness which can affect dogs of any age, sex or breed. The cause of SCI is unknown and as yet there are no known preventative measures.

Jerry Green staff are urging to look out for the most common clinical signs of SCI which include the sudden onset of sickness, diarrhoea and lethargy.

Other signs of the illness include loss of appetite, shaking or trembling, high temperature and abdominal pain typically experienced within 72 hours of walking in woodland.

Amanda Raworth-Hayes, Fundraiser at Jerry Green Dog Rescue, said: “It’s important to contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the early signs of SCI in your dog.

“If SCI strikes, the sooner a dog is referred to the vet the better its chances of survival.

“Fortunately, in recent years there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of fatal cases of SCI, which could be down to the increase in awareness of the illness.

”If you are a dog owner or you know someone who is please be aware and share this information; together we can prevent the loss of dogs from this horrible illness.”

Worried owners should speak to their vet about spray treatments for ectoparasites (fleas, ticks and mites) which can be applied just before walking in woodland as a preventative measure again harvest mites.

Take a look at The Animal Health Trust http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/sci_vets.html for further guidance.

For more information about Jerry Green Dog Rescue please visit: www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue was founded in 1961 in Broughton, Lincolnshire and is now one of the UK’s largest dog rescue charities.
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue has a caring ethos which puts the dogs in its care at the centre of everything it does. It also operates a policy whereby prospective adopters are introduced to dogs in a neutral environment away from the kennel, resulting in less stress for the dog and increasing the chances of permanent homes being found.
• The adoption process at Jerry Green Dog Rescue involves a number of introductory visits and the rehoming team provide pre and post adoption support to ensure the move to the dog’s new home is as smooth as possible.
• The charity receives no Government or National Lottery funding. This means it is dependent on the generosity of public and corporate donors/sponsors.

For media information please contact:
Zoe Lamb 
Shooting Star
01522 528540
zoe@weareshootingstar.co.uk
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