VETS WARN OF A PARVOVIRUS SURGE: THE SIGNS EVERY DOG OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW

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If you have a new puppy at home, or an older dog who might be overdue for a booster, vets have an important message for you.

Cases of canine parvovirus are on the rise, and puppies are being hit the hardest.

Vets in the Riverina region of New South Wales are urging owners to check their dogs' vaccinations as the disease spreads through Leeton, surrounding villages and, more recently, Griffith.

What is parvovirus?

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that attacks a dog's gut.

According to RSPCA Victoria, it can survive for many months on surfaces such as parks, shared water bowls and yards.

That means your dog does not need to meet a sick dog to catch it.

Vets say it spreads readily near waterways, and the risk rises in spring, when more of us are out and about with our pets.

Puppies are most at risk

Speaking to The Area News, Dr Amritha Lala Alayil of Griffith Veterinary Hospital said most recent cases were in puppies under six months old.

All of them had been exposed before they were vaccinated.

But older dogs are not immune if they are not fully protected, and the Griffith clinic has even treated 10-year-old dogs with the disease.

RSPCA Victoria also reported dogs testing positive in the Buloke and Benalla shires in September, showing this is not just a local issue.

The warning signs of parvovirus

Early signs can be easy to miss, so it pays to know what to look for.

The first clues are often lethargy and a loss of appetite.

These are usually followed by vomiting and severe diarrhoea, which is often bloody and very foul-smelling.

Vets say around 80 per cent of cases involve vomiting, lethargy and bloody diarrhoea.

"An animal can deteriorate overnight," Dr Alayil warned.

A dog can become seriously unwell within a day or two, and one recent case needed around a week in hospital on fluids.

If you notice any of these signs, call your vet straight away, and let them know before you arrive so they can keep other patients safe.

Vaccination is the key

The good news is that there is a simple way to protect your dog.

Vaccination is the only protection against parvovirus, and it is included in the C3, C4 and C5 vaccines.

Vets say puppies usually have their first dose at six to eight weeks, followed by two monthly boosters, then yearly boosters after that.

They generally advise waiting two weeks after the third puppy dose before taking your puppy out in public or letting them mix with other puppies.

RSPCA Victoria also points out that vaccinating costs significantly less than treating the disease.

Simple ways to keep your dog safe

Check your dog's vaccination records, and if you are not sure when their last booster was, give your vet a call.

Keep young puppies at home and away from parks, beaches and pet shops until your vet says they are fully protected.

Avoid shared water bowls in public places, and bring your own bowl on walks.

If you have visitors with dogs, make sure their pets are vaccinated too.

If you are adopting or buying a puppy, ask for proof of vaccinations before you bring them home.

A small step that saves lives

Senior veterinary nurse Hayley Bull of MiVet Leeton is among those urging owners to act now.

Parvovirus is heartbreaking for families and incredibly tough on dogs, but it is also largely preventable.

A quick check of your dog's records this weekend could make all the difference.

After all, our four-legged family members rely on us to keep them safe.