Dog owners across Ireland and the UK have been urged to make sure they keep their pet away from muddy areas.
The warning comes as animal experts have become concerned about the recent surge in a potentially fatal condition known as Alabama rot or cutaneous.
According to The Daily Mail newspaper, professionals working at the UK’s Dog’s Trust organisation have become increasingly concerned about the illness which can leave dogs very sick.
It is thought the chances of dogs developing the condition has increased after the recent spell of damp and cold weather.
Speaking to the paper, a spokesperson for the trust said the disease can be contracted when a dog walks or stands in muddy ground.
The spokesperson said dogs who have contracted the disease will generally feel unwell and they will vomit frequently, lose their appetite and develop lesions on their skin.
If the condition is left untreated it could be come potentially fatal as the spread of the disease will lead to kidney and liver problems which could result in death.
The spokesperson urged dog owners to make sure they keep their pet out of muddy ground and to make sure their pet is washed thoroughly if they do become dirty whilst they are out walking.