Parvovirus warning: How to stop your dog getting deadly Parvovirus and signs to look for

Dogs owners are being warned of a deadly canine virus following a family's dog contracting Parvovirus after a walk.

-> Leeds family issues warning after Alsatian develops deadly Parvovirus following a walkAndrew and Jenny Tompkins discovered that their German Shepherd, Dude, had become ill with the virus after noticing his odd behaviour of being listless and not eating or drinking.

Following diagnosis, Dude was given antibiotics and intravenous fluids to recover.

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During treatment vets told Jenny that there had been other cases of Parvovirus in the local area; in March 2017 three dogs passed away at the same vet practice.

Don't let your dog fall victim to ParvovirusDon't let your dog fall victim to Parvovirus
Don't let your dog fall victim to Parvovirus

-> How much this drug dealer caught with £300,000 of cocaine will have to pay backWhat is Parvovirus and what are the symptoms to look for?

The virus, which is very contagious and deadly if not caught early, but not common as a vaccine is available and infection is preventable.

Symptoms of the disease includes; lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite and bloody, foul-smelling diarrhea that can lead to life-threatening dehydration.

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Parvovirus can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog's feces, highly resistant, the virus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as clothes, carpet and floors.

It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvovirus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs.

How to avoid your dog contracting Parvovirus

Get your dog vaccinated immediately

Avoid any areas where unvaccinated dogs could congregate

Disinfect any areas in your garden or porch using a bleach solution