Might be best to keep your dog on the lead.

A Cork dog owner is warning others that a mysterious illness is affecting dogs in Cork… and it could be fatal for your pooch.

Speaking to 96fm’s PJ Coogan on this morning’s radio show, Anne Renshaw detailed several mysterious dog deaths in Cork. At least two dogs are dead and many others are critically ill, including her own 20-month-old labrador, Aspen, an ex-Guide Dog pup.

It’s thought that they may have ingested something dangerous in either the Riverstick Woods or James Fort near Kinsale, both popular strolling spots for dog walkers.

Anne has issued a warning to dog owners across Cork.

Speaking to The Opinion Line, Anne said her dog became sick about 36 hours after a walk in James Fort on Tuesday morning and Riverstick on Wednesday morning. She brought him to the vet and despite medical care, he began vomiting and passing blood the next day. He’s “hanging in there” for now, but he’s very unwell.

While the vets look for answers, Anne said she’s spoken to other members of the public who have reported two dogs have died suddenly.

“My dog doesn’t have any fever, which rules out a lot of things,” said Anne. Right now the cause of the illness is a mystery, although other walkers had spotted a substance that appeared to look like horse manure.