Dog owners enjoying woodland walks this spring should be aware of a rare but potentially life-threatening disease that could be linked to wet, muddy conditions. The Royal Kennel Club warns that Alabama rot, or cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV), causes damage to your dog's skin and kidneys.

While the exact cause of the disease is unknown, the Royal Kennel Club says reported cases appear to be rising in the UK. Dog owners are advised to learn the signs and symptoms, as early treatment could be life-saving in an emergency situation.

Royal Kennel Club explained: "We don't yet know what causes Alabama rot, so diagnosing and treating an affected dog can be very difficult. Researchers believe that wet muddy conditions may somehow be linked to what causes this condition. Many of the dogs that died from Alabama rot had been walking in muddy woodland areas during winter and spring months just before becoming ill."

It continued: "Alabama rot is a well-publicised, but very rare disease that is known to have affected around 150 dogs in the UK between November 2012 and March 2018. Reports of Alabama rot seem to be on the increase, which could be because more dogs are becoming affected, or because vets and owners are more aware of the condition."

According to the Royal Kennel Club, most cases are reported between November and May. However, some cases are reported in warmer months.

Symptoms could include skin ulcers on the legs or paws (stock photo)(Image: Getty)

The dog welfare organisation said these marks on the skin could look like a cut, bruise, sting, open sore, or area of redness. It added that kidney failure could be signalled by vomiting, tiredness, and sickness.

Royal Kennel Club urged pet owners to contact their vet immediately if they suspect Alabama rot. While these signs could have many causes, and most of the time they won't be caused by Alabama rot, in some cases it could indicate the disease.

Royal Kennel Club said there is no guaranteed method to prevent the disease, since the cause is unknown. However, there are precautions that owners can take when walking their dogs in muddy or woodland areas. The Royal Kennel Club advises owners to:

Researchers believe the disease could be linked to wet muddy conditions (stock photo)(Image: Getty)

According to the British Veterinary Association (BVA), at least 318 cases of Alabama rot have been confirmed post-mortem across the UK since November 2012. BVA said: "There appears to be a seasonal distribution with Alabama rot, with over 90% of cases being identified between November and May.

"On this basis, it is possible that there is an environmental trigger; however, this is unlikely to be the full story and it may be that certain dogs are predisposed to developing the disease. If you would like to see if any cases have been confirmed near where you live, this information is available online."