Canine gastro hits southern puppy population

Another stomach virus is affecting dogs in the state’s south as owners of sick and vulnerable canines are sent a warning. READ A LOCAL VET’S TIPS TO AVOID ILLNESS >>

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ANOTHER stomach virus is affecting dogs in the state’s south as owners of sick and vulnerable canines are urged to protect and clean up after their pets.

One pet owner said his pooch was diagnosed with canine gastro at the local vet on Friday.

He said the staff had reportedly seen six other dogs that day with the same condition.

The vet had reportedly asked the owner if they had recently attended Kingston Beach, suggesting the bug had spread at the popular spot.

This comes after a similar canine coronavirus flare up was reported at South Street Dog Park in Bellerive.

The canine coronavirus is said to have predated the current human-related COVID-19 pandemic and is believed to be a separate outbreak.

Local dog parks and beaches were not the only doggie virus hot spots, as the Tasmanian greyhound industry was forced to crack down on events having recently recorded four new cases.

Veterinary behaviourist Dr Katrina Ward said she understood “quite a few dogs” locally were suffering from diarrhoea.

She said owners needed to clean up their dogs faeces properly to avoid spreading the disease.

“If their dog is not well in other ways then perhaps limiting their exposure to frequented dog parks could be good just to minimise their risk,” Dr Ward said.

“If they’re otherwise fit and well then they’ll be absolutely fine, just a little tummy bug.

“But if everyone’s responsible and cleans up after their dogs then hopefully there will be minimal spread.”

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said it was wise to be aware of the virus, but said the benefits of exercising dogs at local parks outweighed the risks.

“I think during COVID-19 that’s a healthy thing to be doing,” he said.