Can dogs get sick from mud?

More specifically bacteria, like the ones that cause leptospirosis, are an invisible threat that all dog owners should be aware of. The bacteria can enter a dog’s body through their eyes, nose, mouth, or cuts in the skin. In fact, even skin compromised by being wet for extended periods of time, like while swimming, can offer entry to these dangerous bacteria. Areas like trails and dog parks that may be contaminated by urine from wildlife pose the greatest risk to dogs. Leptospirosis is found worldwide with most cases occurring during wet and mild weather. This is because the bacteria can survive for extended periods of time in this type of environment. Canine infections are increasingly common, possibly because of the expanding skunk, rodent, and raccoon populations in urban areas.

While it's extremely difficult to give advice about how to avoid Alabama rot, we recommend washing off all mud following a wet and muddy walk, especially through woodland. Most reports come from pet owners who walk their dogs in the countryside, and most cases are reported during winter and spring. Generally, cases are rare in the summer months compared to the colder months. The threat is very low, and while there may be an environmental trigger, we can't confirm that some areas are safer than others. Thousands of dogs are walked in the countryside every day, and it's important to remember that only a very small number of dogs have been affected. The number of cases reported in the UK is extremely low, so there's little reason to be worried.

Muddy walks can be bad for your dog’s health, but not if you wash and check. It’s also about good pet hygiene so they don’t pick up any nasty water born or mud born problems – wash and check. The most frightening infection, although thankfully not common, is Alabama Rot which is most prevalent from November to May when conditions are most likely to favour its development. Nobody really knows the cause but in the UK it tends to be associated with walking in muddy and woodland areas, it is thought to be associated with the bacteria known as E-Coli. Lesions or ulcers on your pet’s skin are the first signs so it is important to regularly check your pet, especially if you have walked in mud and/or woodland. Unfortunately there is no vaccination against this infection but good hygiene after walks may help.

The disease is more common in the winter and spring and in dogs who walk in muddy, woodland areas. The RSPCA recommends washing off all mud following a wet and muddy walk, particularly if you have gone through woodland. Dogs with Alabama rot tend to have skin ulcers on their legs or paws, according to the Royal Veterinary College. Ulcers may also develop on the head, muzzle, tongue, flank and belly. The ulcers vary in severity and could just look like a cut, bruise or sting, the RVC says. Some dogs develop kidney failure. This typically happens within one to nine days of first noticing the skin ulcers, the RVC says. There have been reports of multiple dogs from the same household being affected by the disease, according to the RCV.

Mud is fun, it is important to remember about hidden dangers – Smashed glass, or sharp stones that you might not be able to easily visualise. Cuts and scrapes are therefore a possible risk if your unsuspecting dog walks on something they didn’t expect. Most eye ulcers in dogs and cats are the result of trauma, conjunctivitis can be triggered from material such as dirt or mud that find their way into the eye. Mud contaminated with horse or livestock manure if ingested could lead to ivermectin poisoning if those animals had been recently treated. If a dog infected with infectious canine parvovirus has contaminated mud, the disease can persist outdoors, if protected from sunlight and desiccation, it can persist for many months and possibly years. Dogs that are frequently wet are more prone to developing hot spots due to the excess moisture held against the skin by their coats, the same could be said for those that continually get themselves damp with boggy mud. Leptospirosis is a disease spread via a bacteria called Leptospira. The most common way dogs get leptospirosis is through water contaminated with urine, particularly stagnant or slow-moving water like puddles, ponds or lakes. However, another potential source is from contact with urine-contaminated soil, bedding or food. It’s suspected that there’s a link between Alabama Rot and muddy woodlands, as most dogs who have contracted it had been walked in these areas prior to falling ill. Clostridium tetani is found in soil and intestinal tracts. In most cases, it is introduced into the body through open wounds. Almost all mammals are susceptible to this disease, although dogs are relatively resistant. If your dog has a small wound and happens to come into contact with this toxin in contaminated soil, it is possible that they could get sick; again, this is an uncommon condition to see.

Dogs naturally love to root around in the dirt. Whether digging or snuffling through leaves, they may unearth something more troubling than an earthworm or bug; they may come in contact with parasites, infectious diseases, or fungal spores. When your pet comes into contact with contaminated soil, mainly through licking or ingesting it while rooting around, they risk becoming infected with these parasites. If your pet comes into contact with contaminated soil, they can inadvertently pick up viruses on their paws and fur or through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. If your pet digs, plays, or simply strolls through contaminated soil, they can inadvertently inhale or ingest fungal spores, putting them at risk of developing fungal infections such as valley fever. Leptospirosis in pets can produce the following signs: Fever Lethargy Abdominal pain Diarrhea Weakness Muscle pain. More alarming, this dangerous bacteria can live in soil and water for several weeks to months. While dirt may seem like an innocuous playground for your furry friend, soil harbors myriad unseen dangers that can jeopardize your pet’s health.