A severe and life threatening dog virus outbreak has hit the bay and Tauranga dog owners have been asked to exercise caution.
A severe and life threatening dog virus outbreak has hit the bay and Tauranga dog owners have been asked to exercise caution. There have been a number of dogs suffering from parvovirus in three Tauranga suburbs and veterinarians have issued a warning to dog owners to immunize their pets.
The virus is capable of infecting both dogs and puppies. It targets the intestines of the dogs and they develop severe vomiting and dysentery. Some dogs go into heart failure and respiratory problems.
“We normally get the odd case, particularly over the summer months, when there are more puppies around and when dogs are out and about more. But there is definitely a spike in the number of cases right now”
It is a highly infectious virus which spreads between the canines due to direct and indirect contact with their feces. Puppies which are not vaccinated are at high risk. Owners must get their dogs vaccinated to prevent spread of the virus. The vaccination is extremely effective provided the pups have received the full course of vaccines.
Source-Medindia