Veterinarians in Calgary and Okotoks are warning dog owners about a rise in incidence of the potentially fatal canine parvovirus.
The virus can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog's feces. Highly resistant, parvovirus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors.
"Animals can become lethargic, their appetite can become decreased so they'll be eating less but the most common signs that we see is vomiting and diarrhea," Dr. Brian McBride, Coach Hill Veterinary Hospital, told CTV.
Puppies and adolescent dogs are especially susceptible to parvovirus.
There is no cure for the virus and treatment can be quite expensive but it is preventable through vaccination.
Since the development of a vaccine, the disease isn’t as rampant but outbreaks do still occur - emphasizing the need for dog owners to keep their pets’ vaccinations up-to-date.
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