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No proven method can prevent Alabama Rot—also called cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV)—because its cause is still unknown. After a wet, muddy walk, rinse mud from your dog’s feet and legs and check the skin while you do. Washing has not been shown to prevent the disease; it gives you a chance to spot an unexpected sore and ask your vet about it promptly.
What to do after a wet, muddy walk
- Rinse away visible mud. The RSPCA advises washing mud off dogs after wet and muddy walks, particularly woodland walks. Pay attention to the feet and lower legs. This is a sensible hygiene routine, not a proven way to prevent CRGV; the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) says bathing feet and legs has no established preventive benefit.
- Look over the skin as you clean. Check between and around the paws and along the lower legs for unexplained redness, swelling, sores or ulcers. Most skin lesions have causes other than Alabama Rot, so a mark is not a diagnosis.
- Dry your dog comfortably. Drying after an outdoor walk is general winter-care advice from the RSPCA, not an Alabama Rot prevention measure. Use a towel or another comfortable method.
- Call your vet about an unexplained lesion or concerning illness. Do not wait for a sore to worsen or try to identify the disease at home.
A paw-cleaning cup, balm or disinfectant has not been shown to prevent CRGV. A paw washer is optional convenience equipment; plain water and a towel are enough to remove mud.
What signs should you look for?
Skin changes
According to the RSPCA’s symptom guidance, warning signs can include a sore, visible swelling, a red patch or a skin defect without a known injury. Lesions often occur below the knee or elbow, including on the feet, but can also appear on the face or lower chest and abdomen. The RVC advises seeking veterinary advice about an unexpected skin ulcer.
Changes in how your dog feels
Reduced appetite, vomiting, unusual tiredness (lethargy), drinking more than usual or passing less urine can indicate serious illness, including acute kidney injury. The RSPCA advises contacting a vet immediately if you are concerned. A veterinarian can assess the signs and decide what investigation or treatment is appropriate; a skin lesion alone cannot confirm CRGV.
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Can woodland walks or a particular area cause Alabama Rot?
Cases have been associated with muddy woodland walks, and reports are more common in winter and spring. But the cause and what makes some dogs susceptible remain unknown. The UK government’s guidance, updated 27 January 2025, describes the disease as very rare and notes its association with muddy woodland walks and winter/spring.
Current guidance does not identify particular places to avoid or certify any location as safe. The RVC says there is no recommendation to avoid specific walking areas. You can continue walks while using the post-walk check, but no route choice can be presented as a guaranteed safeguard.
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How rare is Alabama Rot?
The RSPCA and UK government describe CRGV as extremely or very rare, and most skin sores have other causes. Rarity does not make concerning symptoms safe to ignore: CRGV can be life-threatening, and early recognition and aggressive veterinary management are associated with the best outcomes.
The RVC recorded 318 confirmed cases from November 2012 to February 2024. Its count is narrowly defined: confirmed cases were dogs that died and received a post-mortem diagnosis, so it does not fully count dogs that survived. A separate specialist information site reported 335 confirmed UK cases, including one in 2026, when accessed on 7 October 2026. These figures use separate sources and should not be combined as if they were a single comparable time series. Neither provides an individual dog’s probability of developing CRGV.
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Why prevention advice is limited
CRGV’s cause is unknown, so there is no established preventive treatment, product or routine. As the RVC puts it in its FAQ: “Unfortunately, as the cause of CRGV is unknown, it is difficult to give specific advice on prevention.” Washing mud off is recommended by the RSPCA as a practical precaution, but it should be understood as a chance to inspect the skin—not evidence that bathing stops the disease.
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- Oatmeal Formula – This pet shampoo is great for moisturizing dry skin, cleaning dirty coats, & itch relief. The thick lather rinses off clean & keeps your pet looking clean and the coconut lime verbena scent keeps them smelling fresh
- Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of a coconut-derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much product as other dog shampoos. A little shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
- Allergy Friendly - Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog, Cooper — a goldendoodle who has severe allergies. We've found this shampoo to be safe and effective for him. We love the smell too!
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