Guarding against the parovirus

As the weather warms up, the risk of dogs contracting the extremely dangerous and highly contagious parvovirus increases.

Animal welfare and management services across Napier and Hastings have noted increases in incidents of the virus in their facilities over the last few weeks.

Hastings District Council animal management manager John Payne says the virus is much more prevalent in warm dry weather, and in areas where the rates of vaccination against the virus are low.

“Roaming dogs are particularly susceptible as parvovirus can survive in the environment and remain infectious for years.”

Parvovirus is usually fatal.

The main signs that dogs should be checked by a vet for the virus are weight loss, overtiredness, vomiting, diarrhea (often containing blood) and a high temperature.

Mr Payne says the best protection is vaccination – however it does take two weeks from the time of the injection for a dog to become resistant to the virus so they need to be protected during that time.

People who have had a dog visiting their property that they believe may have been ill should wash all animal play toys, bowls and hard surface areas with a mixture of bleach and water at a one part bleach to 10 parts water ratio.

The best ways to prevent dogs from catching the virus include vaccinating, preventing them from roaming, getting them to the vet quickly if they show signs of having the virus, keeping things clean with the bleach mixture, and isolating dogs suspected of having the virus.

ends

© Scoop Media