A SOCIAL media appeal tracked down the owners of a Helensburgh dog over fears their pet might have a potentially deadly disease.

The Helensburgh couple were traced thanks to a Facebook post by Stacey Johnston after they bought a golden cocker spaniel puppy from a house in Ayrshire in early December.

Stacey, who visited the property at the same time as the Helensburgh couple, bought two dogs who became critically ill not long after she took them home.

The 25-year-old used Facebook in a bid to make the Helensburgh owners aware their pet might be at risk.

Stacey and her family suspect they may have fallen victim to a puppy farming scheme.

After the appeal, animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA said they are investigating the multi-million pound puppy farming industry.

Stacey’s dogs Pippa and Stitch have since been diagnosed with parvovirus, a rare disease which can prove fatal if not treated quickly.

Both puppies were also confirmed to have a parasite coccidiosis.

Following the scare, Stacey wanted to make the Helensburgh owners aware in case their puppy fell ill. Both her puppies were treated and back home in time for Christmas.

The Facebook appeal, which was shared almost 3,000 times, saw Stacey not only find the Helensburgh owners but some other buyers as well.

Stacey said: “The son of the couple who bought the other puppy from Helensburgh contacted me last night and are they calling me today.

“They [the couple] have had their puppy to the vets since they saw the advert and thankfully there is nothing serious wrong with it.”

An undercover inspector from the Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit said: “We are currently working alongside partner organisations in Operation Delphin to tackle the multi-million pound puppy farming industry.

“Trafficked pups often develop diseases such as parvo virus and giardia. Often the young dogs die from these diseases which is extremely distressing for the owners.”

The charity has also issued advice to anyone considering buying a puppy,

Trafficked pups often look fine when they are purchased, but problems will begin to show at a later stage, by which time and money has exchanged hands and the selling agent is long gone.

They want to remind anyone looking to buy a puppy over the festive period please only go to reputable breeders, a list of breeders can be provided by the Kennel Club.

The recommend always viewing the mother of any puppies that are for sale when the pups are still feeding from the mother, where possible it is best to view both parents.

Never buy a puppy from a car park or allow for home delivery without viewing visiting the breeder’s premises.

Anyone who has purchased a puppy that shows any signs of illness or distress is advised to take it to the vet immediately.

Anyone with concerns or information about puppy trafficking call can call the animal helpline on 03000 999 999 anonymously. Information is received in strict confidence and can be left anonymously.