Young puppies at risk of deadly virus: vets

South Hedland Vets have noticed an increase in the number of dogs affected by canine parvovirus in recent months.

South Hedland veterinarian Richard Thomas said to date this year there had been around 90 dogs confirmed with parvovirus infections, 18 of those in the past month.

Canine parvovirus is an often fatal disease puppies can catch when they ingest or sniff the virus from soil.

“We are currently being presented with a higher than normal number of dogs affected with canine parvovirus,” he said.

“Typically these are young unvaccinated or under-vaccinated pups that have either been off their property or kept on a property with a history of parvovirus.”

Dr Thomas said canines that had the virus would become lethargic, stop eating, and within 24 hours develop severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea.

“Treatment is possible, however, it is prolonged, expensive and some dogs will still pass away despite receiving it,” he said.

“We are advising that young dogs get their course of three vaccines and for owners to wait for two weeks after their last injection before going out for walks.”

Dr Thomas said the high rate of the virus in Hedland could be attributed to the large unvaccinated, wandering or stray dog population.

“Be responsible, vaccinate your pups as soon as possible, don’t let your dogs wander and de-sex your pet if you cannot find good homes for your puppies,” he said.

“It is a distressing sight to see a dog affected with canine parvovirus, it is only more distressing to know that it is an unnecessary and avoidable disease.”