The Kennel Club is warning dog owners to be vigilant as the peak season for the Alabama Rot disease sets in. 

The condition, also known as Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy, or CRGV, was first detected in the UK in 2012 and is most prevalent between November and May.

Only appearing to affect dogs, the disease damages the lining of blood vessels in the skin and kidney, resulting in ulceration of the skin and kidney damage. The condition can affect any breed or age of dog and a proportion can go on to develop severe, acute kidney failure, which is often fatal.

Although the disease is very rare, owners should be on the look out for any signs of Alabama Rot and take action right away. Any dogs with unexplained or concerning skin lesions which typically look like sores, ulcers, or red, swollen, bruised areas, should be taken to their vet as soon as possible. Dogs who have contracted the disease may also become tired, disinterested in food, or present other signs of illness like vomiting or diarrhoea.