Dog owners are being warned a potentially deadly and highly infectious virus has hit Dundee.
Staff at Parkside Vets are warning dog owners that parvovirus a bug similar to human norovirus that causes extreme vomiting and diarrhoea can kill 80% of dogs it infects has been found in at least one local canine.
Even if treated by a vet, around half of dogs afflicted may die, according to the Monifieth-based experts.
The disease is passed by contact with another dog’s faeces.
Even a small amount on the sole of the shoe can infect your dog.
Melissa Spence, a partner at Parkside, advised vaccinating dogs against the virus.
She said puppies too small to be vaccinated should be kept away from public areas where they may come into contact with infected waste.
“Canine parvovirus is a potentially life-threatening virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea and, without intensive treatment, may result in death,” she said.
“Even with treatment survival is only 50%, with puppies the worst affected,” she added.
“Parvovirus is a preventable disease, and this stresses how important vaccination of your dog and keeping up to date with this is.
“Anyone concerned about their dog should make an appointment with their vet as soon as possible.”
While an isolated case is not a cause for alarm, Parkside has warned that multiple cases may require council intervention to prevent spread of infection.
The disease cannot be passed to humans and is not thought to afflict wildlife such as squirrels or cats that may be found on dog-walking routes.
Christy Mackenzie, a vet at Parkside, said there is no specific drug to cure the illness, and urged pet owners to contact their vet as soon as they suspect infection.
Treatment for the virus involves aggressive supportive care to control the symptoms and boost the dog’s immune system.
Canines afflicted with the illness need intensive treatment in a veterinary hospital for five-to-seven days, where they receive antibiotics to control the vomiting.