A three-month-old puppy died after contracting a deadly virus which is affecting dogs across the UK.
Parvovirus causes serious illness and even death, and a woman has shared her hreatbreaking story of her puppy Boo who died of the highly-contagious virus.
The virus spreads between dogs through their bodily fluids, including poo and vomit, reports HullLive.
Fran Read's three-month-old Cocker Spaniel was killed by Parvovirus earlier this month.
Fran is now urging dog owners to keep up with their pet's vaccinations.
“She was just too poorly to stay with me, but we had the best few weeks of love and cuddles,” said Fran, who lives near Bridlington in East Yorkshire.
Boo had been to several appointments with the vet before she was diagnosed with the virus. Afterwards, her condition deteriorated rapidly.
“Her short life was happy and I loved her so much.”
Fran also has an older dog which was luckily untouched by the virus.
Aldgate Vets, who have branches in Bridlington and Driffield, echoed calls to keep dogs' jabs up to date.
What is Parvovirus?
Also known as canine Parvovirus, or CPV, it's a highly infectious disease affecting dogs. Sadly, most dogs who catch it will not be able recover, Aldgate has said.
The virus infects the cells lining the intestines, stopping absorption of nutrients, causing inflammation and death of the cells in the intestine. The inflammation of the gut allows bacteria to enter the blood and causes a secondary sepsis.
Symptoms of Parvovirus include a loss of appetite, followed by diarrhoea which soon turns foul smelling and may contain blood.
Young puppies and dogs which haven't been vaccinated or boosted are the most susceptible to Parvovirus.
Vets say any dog can be vaccinated from the age of six weeks, and until then to keep them at home and away from other dogs. This is followed by a top-up at 16 to 18 weeks, a booster at one year old and boosters every three years after that. Vaccination is the best way to prevent your dog picking up the disease.
Anyone getting a new puppy should also ask for proof of vaccination from the breeder, Aldgate Vets said.
What should I do if I suspect my dog has it?
Any owner who suspects their dog has Parvovirus should call their vet immediately. Vets can carry out tests for CPV.
Most deaths from Parvovirus occur within two to three days of symptoms starting so fast action is required to improve their chances of survival. If you have more than one dog, make sure the poorly dog is kept away from the others.
Treatment for Parvovirus can result in a large vets' bill with real possibility your dog may not make it, which is why vets strongly urged owners to keep pets vaccinated.
