Parvovirus warning: Pet owners urged to check vaccination schedules

Pet owners have been urged to check their animals’ vaccination schedules after a huge spike in parvovirus, with some vets recording their highest number of cases in 12 years.

AS IF 2020 has not been bad enough, vets at Animal Emergency Service say this could be the most deadly year on record for parvovirus.

The medics are urging pet owners to check their pet’s parvovirus vaccination schedules after seeing the highest number of cases for April in their 12-year history.

This year across their four emergency hospitals in Queensland, vets have already diagnosed over 40 cases of parvovirus, having diagnosed only 60 patients for the whole of last year in comparison.

The canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the cardiovascular system or gastrointestinal tracts.

Puppies are most susceptible to parvovirus, but older dogs are not immune. Picture: Shae Beplate

Vets are warning that the disease is spreading fast across the Brisbane suburbs of Redbank Plains, Redbank, Springfield, and Forestdale.

“Even though puppies between six to eight weeks old are most susceptible, older dogs are able to contract this disease. We have seen so many dogs in our clinics over the last four weeks, with some owners having to say goodbye to their pets because of this heartbreaking disease,” veterinarian Dr Brooke Schampers said.

“Parvo-virus is an easily preventable disease,” Dr Schampers said.

“Check your vaccination schedule or call your local vet if in doubt, and ensure your dog is protected from this horrific strain we are seeing in our hospitals.”

The disease is transmitted either by direct contact with an infected dog, or indirectly, such as sniffing another dog’s matter or even accidentally walking through it whilst out on their daily walk.

Even the family back yard isn’t safe, with vets worried that new homeowners are oblivious about the disease’s ability to survive in the ground and soil for up to nine years.

Signs of parvovirus infection appear within three to seven days after being exposed, and include high fever, lethargy, weakness, and loss of appetite.

The more severe symptoms include vomiting, blood in the faeces and/or diarrhoea, severe dehydration and shock.

“If you suspect your dog has parvovirus, visit your vet immediately – because if your pet isn’t treated quickly, the symptoms will become fatal. We have seen pets pass away within two days of showing symptoms of this cruel disease … It’s not something to be complacent about,” the doctor said.