Alabama Rot Symptoms to Look Out For

After your dog has been outside, especially for a walk in muddy, woodland areas it would be good to check them over for skin sores every few days. The sores tend to be on their paws or legs but it is also worth checking their body, face, tongue and mouth.

Possible Signs of Alabama Rot

What might you see:

• Unexplained redness
• Sores (a defect in the skin)
• Swollen skin
• Your dog licking their paws more than usual

Additional signs that may be seen if kidney problems develop:

• Vomiting
• A change in behaviour such as not eating or being excessively tired

These later signs can develop a few days after the skin sores have appeared or at the same time.

Looking Out For Alabama Rot

We advise you to check your dogs for these signs especially in the colder months of the year and you may wish to consider washing them after a muddy walk, especially their paws and lower legs. If you have any concerns, please contact a veterinary professional.

Please note that most of the time a skin problem will NOT be caused by CRGV; however, the lesions/sores in CRGV can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites. Even if the skin changes are caused by CRGV, many dogs will not develop kidney problems and will recover fully.