A north Norfolk vets has warned dog owners about a disease which causes sudden vomiting and bloody diarrhoea in dogs, and has led to some deaths.

Toll Barn Veterinary Centre in Heath Road, North Walsham, said it had seen a lot of cases of “very severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis” in dogs over the June 3-4 weekend. 

In a public social media post, the centre said: “This has been characterised, in most cases, by vomiting followed 10+ hours later by severe diarrhoea containing a lot of blood. 

“Sadly some of these patients have been so unwell that they have passed away despite intensive treatment.”

The centre said that while the cause of the disease was unknown, it was thought to be linked to certain bacteria.

It advised anyone whose dog developed vomiting and bloody diarrhoea to seek veterinary advice “as soon as possible”. 

The disease is most common in young adult dogs of any breed, but especially small dogs such as toy poodles and miniature schnauzers.

The centre has been contacted for further comment.