What is canine seasonal illness?

Written by: Christina Kuhl

What is canine seasonal illness?

Last Updated: 14/08/25

Seasonal canine illness is an uncommon condition which can affect dogs of any age, breed or size during the autumn. It commonly affects dogs between August and November.

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What causes seasonal canine illness?

The cause is unknown, but dogs will have usually walked in woodland one to three days before becoming poorly.

A Jack Russell is laying in a white fluffy dog bed asleep. It has a small, brown teddy bear tucked between it's front legs.

 

What are the symptoms of canine seasonal illness?

Dogs may develop symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, tremors, fevers and low energy.

Dogs with canine seasonal illness can become extremely poorly and this illness can be life threatening, so it’s important that you react swiftly if your pet develops any of the above symptoms after walking in woodland.

A beagle drinking from a silver dog bowl. The dog is standing on a white floor, with a plain wall and sofa in the background.

What to do if you think your dog might have seasonal canine illness? 

If you are worried that your dog or puppy is showing signs of this illness after a woodland walk, please get in touch with your local veterinary practice.

If treated quickly, most dogs are able to make a full recovery, so it’s vital to act swiftly. 

If you are worried about seasonal canine illness or would like further support, please contact your local VetPartners practice.

A large brown dog is laying on a vet's examination table. The dog is wearing a pink bandage on it's front leg, and a vet can be seen giving it an injection in the same leg.

 

For further advice, please reach out to your local VetPartners practice.

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Christina Kuhl

BVMedSci BVMBVS PhD MRCVS - Clinical and Client Content Senior Manager