A BUNBURY vet has urged all local dog owners to make sure their pet’s vaccination is up to date after two dogs were euthanased as a result of the deadly Parvovirus infection on Saturday.
Eaton and Bunbury Vet Clinic owner Braden Collins said Parvovirus is a highly contagious, often lethal virus of dogs that affects the gut, heart and bone marrow.
Dr Collins said both of the dogs seen on Saturday were euthanased as a result of the infection, as treatment is very difficult, expensive and the dogs suffer terribly from the virus.
He said the mortality rate from Parvovirus infections is around 80 per cent and treatment can cost between $2000 and $5000.
The virus is spread by ingestion and can live for up to 12 months in the environment, so dogs do not need to have contact with other dogs to pick up the disease.
It can even be spread to dogs which never leave the backyard as it can be carried home on shoes or clothing.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine available which is highly successful against parvovirus.
“We are urging all dog owners to ensure their dog is up to date with vaccination, as this is the only way to stop the spread of this terrible disease,” Dr Collins said.
He advised that dogs should be vaccinated at six to eight weeks, 10 to 12 weeks and 14 to 16 weeks of age, with a booster at 15 months of age then every three years after that.
“Over the last five years I estimate vets have seen over 200 cases of parvovirus in the Greater Bunbury area and we don’t want to see it again,” Dr Collins said.