A near-death experience has prompted a dog owner to issue a life-or-death warning about the dangers of dogs eating horse manure.

Rachel Smith’s 13-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Joey, was rushed to the vets after his health deteriorated at such a rapid state that she believed he was minutes away from death.

Joey’s condition worsened after eating horse manure on a walk into Horsley Woods last month.

“Little did I know that such an innocent occurrence would cause so much distress and grief,” Rachel said.

“Due to the urgency of his situation the vets had to work throughout the night to try and stabilise him. At midnight I got the call no dog owner wants – the call to say he had catastrophic organ failure, an irregular heartbeat and his kidneys and other organs had began to fail.”

Rachel, from Horsley, rushed to the vets with surgeon’s fearing the worst, but her journey was interrupted after breaking down en route.

After the help of a passing motorist, Rachel was able to restart her car and arrived at the vets to see Joey’s condition rapidly improving in her presence.

“He was lying there with eight drips, both paws had intravenous lines into them, he had catheters both ends and his tongue was hanging out,” Rachel explained. "I honestly thought he’d gone.

“He might be just a dog to some but to me he’s my loyal companion. “I called his name and to my and the vets' amazement, he lifted his head and wagged his tail.”

Joey, who has previously suffered acute liver failure and pancreatitis, began responding to the vets' treatment and medication and was soon on the road to recovery.

Rachel explained: “It was like a miracle had happened and the vets worked tirelessly throughout the night to save him. The next day they rang me at 7am to say he was responding and his vitals were on the right side.

“He came home two days later, but now has diabetes and poor kidney function. He’s by no means out of the woods yet and I have to go to the vets every few days to see how his glucose readings are.

Rachel spent up to £4,500 on vet bills for Joey’s treatment and has sent out a warning to dog owners about the perils of horse manure and how it can pose dangers; either by it going toxic or due to pre-existing medical conditions.

“People should be made aware in order to hopefully avoid the distress and financial outlay this has cost me in order to save my treasured and cherished pal,” she said.

“I hope Joey will continue to improve."