Along with reports from veterinarians across Victoria, the Australian Veterinarian Association has released a notice on the increase in canine parvovirus cases being seen by practices and are warning all pet owners to make sure your dogs are up to date with vaccinations. This disease is highly contagious and tends to favour hot and humid conditions although can be found in the canine community throughout the year. Dogs that are particularly susceptible to parvovirus are young puppies and dogs that have not had their vaccination boosters.

To stay fully protected against canine cough adult dogs require vaccination boosters every year and less frequently for other diseases as long as they have been given the Durumune triannual vaccine. If they have not received the Duramune triannual vaccine they will need a yearly booster vaccination against all diseases including parvovirus. It is critical that puppies are vaccinated and do not go outside until their full course of booster vaccinations is complete. Parvovirus is especially severe in puppies - with death in approximately 80 per cent of cases untreated.

Common signs of canine parvovirus are severe vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. If your pet has any of these symptoms, isolate your dog from other pets immediately and contact us as soon as possible.

If your pet has had a vaccination at our practice you will receive a reminder postcard by mail before your pet is due. If you have changed your mailing address or are concerned about your pet's next due date please contact us.

For more information about parvovirus go to our parvovirus information page