A mum was left worried as her baby was "destroyed in dog poo" after a fall amid an outbreak of canine coronavirus in north Dublin.
Earlier this week, a set of vets issued the stark and urgent warning about the outbreak which has infected as many as five dogs in less than two weeks.
Shenick Veterinary Centre based in Balbriggan, Skerries and Stamullen warned that if the virus is left untreated, it can be severe on the affected animals.
The Swords mother took to a local group to post the photos after their stroll near Linear park ended in her little tot taking a dirty fall.
Her baby's clothes were covered in dog faeces which had her panicked as the canine virus is picked up through infected faecal matter.
But luckily, the animal version of the virus is not connected to Covid-19 that affects humans.
Despite this relief, residents were warned to pick up their poo after their pups to avoid a repeat incident.
The local neighbourhood group warned: "I'm so sorry to have received such photos.
"A resident whose young baby fell in the grass in Linear park at the end of Ashton Broc got destroyed in dog poo.
"We post on this topic several times a year and it still continues to be an issue.
"So can we please ask again if your dog poos, pick it up and dispose of it in the correct manner."
The doggy virus currently gripping the north of the capital causes gastrointestinal problems in the sick animals, as opposed to the respiratory disease which has plagued Ireland for almost a year.
Sick pups are hit by the coronavirus 'stomach bug' which the vets say have sickened dogs in Ireland for many years.
It is picked up by oral contact with infected faecal matter or soil so your dog could catch it eating from a contaminated food bowl or by direct contact with another dog.
The sick signs and symptoms include sudden diarrhoea along with fatigue and decreased appetite.
Owners are also alerted to look out for loose stools which will have a strong smell or sometimes blood and/or mucus.
The vets warned: "There seems to be a current outbreak of Canine Coronavirus in North Dublin.
"In the last 7-14 days we have seen approximately 3-5 new cases everyday.
"This viral 'stomach bug" has affected dogs in Ireland for many years and if this virus is left untreated it can become more severe.
"It's particularly significant if found in young puppies, and older dogs as they are more likely to become severely ill much quicker."
They continued: "If you think your pet has been exposed to Canine Coronavirus please contact your nearest clinic to arrange a faecal test.
"The test is quick and simple and performed in-house at our clinics.
"All we need is one small faecal sample from your pet."
You can contact Shenick Veterinary Centre in Balbriggan on 012150469 or balbriggan@shenickvets.ie; in Skerries on 018493071 or at skerries@shenickvets.ie;and in Stamullen on 018418434 or by email stamullen@shenickvets.ie.
