Dog owners across the county have been issued a warning after a puppy died within 24 hours of showing suspected symptoms of the 'extremely contagious' parvovirus. Vets have seen an increase in the number of dogs with serious and life-threatening symptoms believed to be caused by the virus.
Affected dogs become seriously unwell quickly, with symptoms including a high temperature, severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Younger puppies are particularly at risk - and many dogs aren't surviving.
Cara Louise said her mum's Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which was fully vaccinated, died within 24 hours of showing symptoms. The 20-week-old puppy, named Blu, fell ill on Saturday and died on Sunday, September 11. Ms Louise said that when they took the dog to the Nottingham PDSA Hospital, he was one of many dogs believed to be suffering from parvovirus.
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"It was absolutely rammed with dogs in the same condition," the 35-year-old said. "Blu had to be treated in the car park it was so busy. He was given his medication but within an hour he had passed away at my mum's side.
"There's a massive outbreak [of parvovirus]. Everybody should be made aware of how serious it is. It all happened within 24 hours." Canine parvovirus is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their faeces.
Ms Louise, who was looking after Blu for a few days while her mum was away, said she believed the dog had either picked it up while walking near her house in Broxtowe or her mum's in Bilborough. "He lost his appetite and he started to be sick when I gave him back to my mum on Saturday, then he began sicking up blood and got diarrhoea," she said.
"The outbreak has been horrendous, it's more pups that have been passing away." Issuing advice for other dog owners, she added: "People need to make sure they wash their dogs' paws when they come home and they should disinfect their homes and gardens.
"It's like covid but for dogs. People might think their dog will be OK if they're vaccinated but they can still catch it. Blu was a very happy laid back dog who loved a good fuss - the sudden change to him was worrying."
Lynne James, PDSA veterinary communications manager, said: “The loss of a much-loved family pet is always a very sad and difficult time and we offer our sincere sympathies. Sadly we have recently seen a rise in patients across the country with serious and life-threatening symptoms, suspected to be caused by parvovirus.
"Affected dogs become seriously unwell very quickly, with a high temperature and lethargy, quickly followed by severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Devastatingly, many pets aren’t surviving this disease, and younger puppies seem to be particularly at risk.
“Parvovirus is a nasty, extremely contagious virus that spreads from infected dogs via anything they, or their faeces, have touched. It can live in the environment, such as the soil in a park or garden, for up to a year.
“Signs of the virus include watery diarrhoea, which may have blood in, vomiting, reduced or no appetite and extremely low energy levels. Any owners concerned about their pet should call their vet immediately for help and advice.
"People with dogs displaying parvovirus symptoms are asked to call to book an appointment and follow the guidance given by our team on how to attend the Pet Hospital rather than bringing their pets into the building upon arrival.”
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