SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif- There is a spike in a deadly disease that could affect your dog. San Luis Obispo County Animal Services says at least 6 dogs have been brought in with Canine Parvo Virus or CPV within the past several weeks. It's a highly contagious disease and can be fatal if necessary steps aren't taken.
You're dog may look healthy but San Luis Obispo County Animal Services said if it isn't vaccinated your pup is exposed to CPV. If it gets it, the symptoms aren't pretty. "Resulting in vomiting, significant lethargy, severe diarrhea, often times bloody diarrhea, and it usually has a very sudden and dramatic onset," says Eric Anderson from SLO County Animal Services.
The infection occurs in dogs 1-2 weeks after exposure to contaminated feces, or other contaminated objects. You can't catch it, but your clothes and hands can, which can then be passed on to your dog. Animal services says the key to fighting off this disease is prevention by vaccination. If you wait too long and your pet gets sick it can be devastating and costly to treat.
"It requires extensive supportive treatment, IV fluids, hospitalization, antibiotics and so on which can run into thousands of dollars," says Anderson. If you have puppies and specific breeds like Dobermans, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls or Alaskan sled dog breeds, your dog can catch it easier. Animal services says those kind of dogs should be vaccinated more frequently, or at least check in with the vet more often.
Animal services is reminding people if your dog doesn't have all their shots they shouldn't be in public areas and around other animals.
