If you caught This Morning on ITVx recently, (November 2025), you may have seen the segment where Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard discussed the condition known as Alabama Rot, a worry for dog-owners especially in muddy seasons. At Four Paws Fortress I often get asked about health risks during walks — so here’s a clear, calm breakdown of what we know.
What Is Alabama Rot?
Alabama Rot (scientific name: cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, CRGV) is a rare disease in dogs that affects blood-vessels in the skin and kidneys. It first appeared in the UK around 2012. The exact cause remains unknown.
What the Latest Data Shows (2024-25)
- According to the site monitoring cases, the UK has now seen approximately 330 confirmed cases of CRGV/Alabama Rot since 2012. alabama-rot.co.uk
- Of those, 19 cases were in 2024, and 2 cases have been recorded so far in 2025. The Independent
- The condition remains very rare relative to the UK’s dog-population and volume of walks.
• • The condition appears to follow a seasonal pattern, with around 90% of cases occurring between November and May. The Independent+1
What Cat Deeley & Ben Shephard Covered on GMB
During the show the presenters, with veterinary commentary, emphasised:
- Yes — cases have been recorded across many parts of the UK (hence the map you saw).
- No — this does not mean the disease is common for your dog.
- Key message: early detection + good habits matter.
• • They encouraged watchers to stay alert, not alarmed.
What Symptoms Should You Look Out For?
Skin changes
Look for unexplained lesions/ulcers, especially on:
- Lower legs or paws
- Under belly
- Sometimes face or inside mouth
These may appear as red, raw patches, cracks, or swelling with no obvious injury.
Later general symptoms (if kidney involvement occurs)
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Changes in drinking or urination
If your dog shows skin changes and is unwell shortly afterwards, contact your vet promptly.
Interpreting the Map You Saw on This Morning
The map shown on Good Morning Britain highlighted where confirmed cases have occurred. Important clarifications:
- It reflects distribution rather than high frequency. Many regions have had isolated cases, not large clusters.
- The presence of pins on many counties does not equate to “very high risk” in each area.
• • Because the disease is rare, even where one case occurred, many dogs in that region will not be affected.
How to Reduce Risk Without Fear
You don’t need to abandon woodland or countryside walks! Instead:
- Rinse your dog’s legs, paws and belly after muddy/wet walks (especially between November and May)
- Check your dog’s skin regularly for unexplained sores
- Avoid areas under veterinary-alert if posted (local practices may issue alerts)
• • Stay vigilant for signs of illness but remember the overall risk is still very low
What This Means for Four Paws & Fortress Clients
For clients trusting me with their dogs, here’s the approach I take:
- Daily visual skin check for dogs in my care
- After muddy or woodland walks: rinse paws/legs & inspect skin
- Avoiding risk-areas if local vet notices have been issued
• • Immediate contact with you & vet referral if any worrying signs are seen
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Not Alarmed
Yes — the case-map you saw on national TV is accurate in showing where cases have happened. But it doesn’t mean every dog walking in those regions is at high risk. With around 330 confirmed cases over 13 years + millions of walks, the chance remains very small.
Focus on: good hygiene, regular checks, and early veterinary advice when needed.
That balanced approach keeps your dog safe while still enjoying outdoor adventure, which is so important for their health and happiness.
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