Dogs dying as parvovirus spreads in Latrobe Valley

Almost a dozen dogs have died from a deadly virus in the state’s east, prompting warnings to get pets vaccinated.

Pet owners in the Latrobe Valley have been alarmed to ensure their furry friends are properly vaccinated as a contagious virus continues to rapidly spread in the area.

Almost a dozen dogs have died from a deadly virus in the state’s east, prompting warnings to get pets vaccinated.

The highly contagious canine parvovirus has killed more than 10 dogs in the Latrobe Valley in just a few weeks.

Traralgon Veterinary Centre Katrin Sievers said it was heartbreaking to treat pets sick when they didn’t have to be.

“We feel very helpless — we try and advocate for people to vaccinate their pets and owning a pet is not a right, it’s a privilege,” she said.

“I think everyone should do their thorough research and expect there to be ongoing costs like vaccinations to ensure your pet’s health.

“It is often fatal to a dog that contracts it and often it’s contracted by young dogs – and its heartbreaking these cases, they really are.”

She said it was crucial for pets to be up to date with their injections, including the C3 and C5 vaccinations.

Traralgon Veterinary Centre Dr Katrin Sievers says the Parvovirus can be fatal in dogs, and that all pet owners be up to date with their dogs’ vaccinations. Picture: Jack Colantuono

“I think there’s a misconception that people think if a dog has had one vaccine, it’s protected — but they actually need three puppy vaccinations,” Dr Sievers said.

“Depending on the vaccination, they’ll need an annual one to keep up to date.

“So definitely ensure and check with your vet that your pet is up to date with their vaccination schedule.”

Dr Sievers warned unvaccinated pets should not be taken to high risk areas.

“At-risk areas would be anywhere dogs visit — so we find often that parks, dog parks and footy ovals — they’re high risk areas to pick up the parvovirus,” she said.

“I think another misconception is that people believe the virus is transmitted from dog-to-dog — but dogs don’t actually need direct contact with an infected dog, they can pick up the virus out in the environment.”

Dr Sievers said the symptoms of the virus pet owners should look out for were nausea, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, bloody diarrhoea, stomach pain, fever or low body temperature.

“If you notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, you should really seek out a vet and have them double checked,” she said.

Dr Sievers said how each dog responded to the diseas depended on a few factors.

“I think the biggest factor is the overall health of the pet — so pets that are young or old or have any other illnesses, they will be a lot more affected,” she said.

“It’s a virus that attacks fast replicating cells, so it will often attack the bone marrow and stomach lining.

“And if dogs are otherwise in poor health or poor conditions, they will succumb to the virus a lot quicker.

Dr Sievers is a vet at Traralgon Veterinary Group on Argyle St, near the Princes Hwy. Picture: Jack Colantuono

“The earlier we get onto it and we treat it, the better.”

Dr Sievers said while there were no direct treatments for the disease, vets could offer supportive treatments.

“Essentially we have to rely on the dogs getting over it themselves so we can support them and we can make sure they don’t get any secondary infections,” Dr Sievers said.

“But we can’t treat the virus as such, so that makes it really tricky and in this case, prevention with vaccinations is always way better than trying to cure the disease.”