Dog owners are being urged to keep an eye on their pets as a 'highly contagious' respiratory bug is spreading in Jersey.

An outbreak has prompted New Era Vets to issue a warning to prevent further spread of the canine illness.

It is urging islanders to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their dogs if they start to develop symptoms - which include coughing, sneezing, reverse sneezing and a runny nose.

Anyone who suspects their dog is infected is being advised to keep them isolated and away from other dogs.

New Era asks that you only walk then outside the house if you have no garden, and that you keep them 'quiet and rested'.

Answering questions from concerned pet-owners on social media, New Era says 'if your pet is otherwise bright and OK in themselves then no (they do no need to see a vet) We only need to see them if they are quiet, lethargic, under the weather or not improving.'

Any animal thought to have the bug who needs to visit the vet surgery is being asked to wait in the car park and will be seen outside.

"If your dog has been, or might have, been in contact with a infected dog please do the responsible thing and do not attend any training classes, and make us aware of this if you have an appointment, again we will see you but outside to prevent passing this on to other patients."

Dogs affected by the bug should be kept at home until a week after symptoms have passed.