Pet owners have been warned to keep an eye out for Parvovirus - a severe illness that can prove fatal to dogs. Just one month ago an animal rescue centre in Warwickshire was forced to close temporarily following an outbreak. The virus attacks the infection-fighting cells inside a dog's bone marrow, weakening its immune system.
It damages the lining of the guts, resulting in severe diarrhoea and vomiting. It can also prove fatal to dogs. Here's everything you need to know about Parvovirus from what it is, and how it is spread to the symptoms you need to be aware of.
This is why you should never feed chocolate to your dogs What is Parvovirus and how is it spread? Parvovirus, parvo, canine parvovirus, or CPV is a virus that damages the lining of a dog's intestines. The illness can severe vomiting and diarrhoea as well as death in some cases. Puppies under six months and unvaccinated dogs are particularly vulnerable since their immune systems aren't as well developed.
Dogs typically pick up the virus when they are out exploring, People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) explains. The charity added: "It’s shed in the poo of infected dogs three to four days after they are infected, then for a couple of weeks after their symptoms clear up. "Unfortunately, it can then survive in the environment for months to years – meaning it can be found almost anywhere that dogs go, such as gardens, parks and fields.
"It can also travel in dirt, so can be found on the bottom of shoes, inside.