A Leek vet has issued advice to local dog owners after residents in Leek and around the Moorlands shared reports of a "devastating" gastrointestinal virus spreading among their pets.

Residents have taken to social media to share their concerns of the virus, and signs have been posted in local dog parks with advice on how dog owners can keep their pets safe.

A recent post on social media warning residents of the virus has received dozens of comments and shares, with other local residents sharing their own experiences of their dogs becoming ill.

One Moorlands dog owner commented: "My dog got it over Christmas, she was incredibly poorly and had to be hospitalised. The vets said it can be very nasty but it hasn't killed any dogs. It's making dogs very ill and it was brutal for mine, but she has made a full recovery."

Nub News contacted local veterinary centres for advice on what dog owners can do to keep their pets safe from the virus.

Cathy Petrelli from Moorland Veterinary Centre in Leek told us: "We have certainly seen a fair few gastroenteritis cases lately and it has been recognised nationally within the veterinary community that there has been an increase in cases in recent months.

"Despite the slight rise in cases, the majority of them are mild and the ones that have been more severe are very treatable.

"The best thing pet owners can do to keep their dogs safe is keep their vaccinations for parvovirus up to date, as this can be deadly, and see their vet promptly if any symptoms arise."

A sign posted at the Leek dog park PaddocksForPaws also advised people on what they can do to keep their dogs safe.

It said: "It has been confirmed that there is a devastating gastrointestinal virus among the local dog community. We want to prevent any of the dogs who visit us from catching this horrible virus."

Dog owners were advised to:

- Bring their own water bowls and toys to dog parks

- Wash and wipe down their dog's paws both before entering and after exiting a park

- Not take their dogs to parks if they are showing any signs of the virus