Dog owners in south Wales have been warned to look out for the symptoms of a highly contagious and potentially fatal dog disease after a confirmed case of parvovirus was brought into a vet practice in Abergavenny.
Abbey Veterinary Centres, which has veterinary branches across Wales, posted a warning that a dog was brought into one of their practices on Monday, August 24, with a confirmed case of parvovirus. The practice explained that while the owner said they only walk their dog around Castle Meadows in Abergavenny, this does not mean the contagious virus will only be in that area.
What is parvovirus?
Parvovirus is described as being a dangerous and highly contagious virus which affects dogs, especially puppies. It attacks dogs' immune systems and damages the lining of their gut. When not treated quickly, the condition can be life-threatening.
The vets urged owners to look out for signs of the virus and make sure their pets are up to date with all their vaccinations. If they notice any of the signs, they should contact their vet as soon as possible.
Symptoms and how it spreads
Symptoms to look out for include severe diarrhoea (foul-smelling, watery, and bloody), vomiting, severely low energy, a very high or very low temperature, pale gums, abdominal pain, and reduced appetite. Parvovirus symptoms usually appear within three to seven days of a dog being exposed to the virus.
The virus can be spread a number of different ways, including through direct contact with the infected dog, contaminated objects, environmental surfaces which have come into contact with the virus, and through people who have come into contact with infected animals.
Prevention and vaccination
To prevent parvovirus, owners are encouraged to ensure their dog has regular vaccinations against the virus. While puppies tend to receive the necessary vaccinations starting at six to eight weeks old, if they do not have regular boosters they may still be at risk from the virus.
