Alert issued to dog owners over confirmed case of parvovirus
By Mary Dennehy
AN ALERT has been issued to dog owners, after a local veterinary clinic had a confirmed case of parvovirus in its practice.
Last week, Priory Vets in the Village Green issued an awareness message through Facebook – which alerted dog owners of canine parvovirus in the Tallaght area.
Last week, Priory Vets in the Village Green issued an awareness message
According to Priory Vets: “Young, unvaccinated puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk.
“This virus is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate, so it can be fatal.”
Parvovirus is a serious and hardy virus, the symptoms of which can include vomiting, diarrhoea (that may contain blood), dehydration, lethargy and fever.
According to the Irish Blue Cross, parvovirus is spread in the faeces of dogs infected with the virus, and can be carried and spread by any person, animal or object that comes into contact with the virus.
In its community awareness message, Priory Vets advised: “Prevention with vaccination is best.
“Do not let unvaccinated puppies and dogs on walks outside or on floors of veterinary clinics and remember that you can walk parvo into the house on your clothes and shoes if you have been outside, so do not let unvaccinated puppies or dogs sniff clothes or shoes when you come home.
“Parvovirus is a hardy virus that can survive in the environment for up to six months.”
Anybody with concerns or questions around parvovirus is encouraged to contact their veterinary clinic.
Additional information is also available on the Irish Blue Cross website
