Dog owners, make sure you keep your pets safe.
A deadly dog virus may be making its rounds in Colorado Springs.
A KRDO Newschannel 13 viewer said her puppy got Parvovirus and she wants other dog owners to be aware.
Warnings of the virus are also popping up at local dog parks.
“Just last week, I noticed a sign. It said ‘watch out, make sure your dogs are vaccinated' ", said one dog owner.
Dr. Gwen Hall of Banfield Pet Hospital said Parvovirus attacks the lining of a dog’s digestive system. Puppies under 6 months old are most susceptible to the virus.
“The most common symptoms that people will first notice is pets not feeling well, more lethargic, not wanting to eat,” said Hall. In bad cases, dogs will vomit and have diarrhea, and become very dehydrated. “Without treatment, unfortunately it results in the death of a pet.”
Hall recommends puppies start receiving the distemper vaccination for the virus at 6 weeks of age, and then get a vaccination every three to four weeks until the puppy is 18 weeks old.
“The first three to four months of life are very important for preventative care,” said Hall.
Hall said during the vaccination time period, it’s important to avoid high-risk situations, including dog parks and socializing with dogs whose vaccination status is unknown.
“There’s nothing sadder than someone with a new puppy and you have to break the news that the puppy has a disease that could take them away,” said Hall.
According to Hall, Parvovirus is also extremely contagious. Dogs can get it by sniffing feces and touching noses. Even humans can carry the virus and pass it along to their pets.
Parvo can live outside for months, or even longer, so it’s important to disinfect. To help prevent the spread of parvo, vets recommend keeping infected dogs isolated for at least a month and to disinfect your dog's bedding and food and water bowls.
Read more http://www.krdo.com/health/29512042/detail.html
Picture from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog
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