A WOMAN is warning dog owners to be 'vigilant' after her Cocker Spaniel became ill after visiting a local nature reserve.
Samantha Doe from Bracknell took her energetic nine-month-old puppy Rhu to Englemere Pond on Friday, January 21.
The following day Rhu started acting differently from her normal self and was rushed to the vets.
Samantha, a registered veterinary nurse, said: "She’s feeling better today but still not 100%. I’m not sure what it is. All I know is it’s a tummy bug.
"She’s been ill since Saturday 22nd and was hospitalised and on fluids with supportive treatment for vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy, but this one has affected her a lot quicker and more so than normal."
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Rhu isn't the only dog that has become ill after visiting an outdoor space.
According to The Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET), vets are seeing a higher than usual occurrence of gastroenteritis in dogs in recent weeks.
One woman said her dog started to be sick after going for a walk in Prospect Park in Reading.
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On the Reading Dog Owners Facebook Group, a dog owner said: "My partner took our boy for a walk in Prospect Park and a few hours later he wasn’t feeling well and he’s just woken me up to be sick.
"I’ve heard of a bug going around the canine world."
Samantha is warning dog owners to watch what their pets are eating and drinking when visiting local parks.
Adding: "Be vigilant on dog walks and what there dogs eat and drink etc and if at all worried to seek vets advice."
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