Warning to dog owners after one-year-old puppy in Cambourne dies of highly infectious parvovirus

A warning to dog owners has been issued after a one-year-old puppy in Cambourne died of the highly contagious parvovirus.

The dog had to be put down, despite being fully vaccinated.

There are no drugs to treat parvovirus, which attacks cells in the dog’s intestines and stops them from absorbing nutrients, leaving them weak and dehydrated.

It is often fatal and puppies, along with unvaccinated dogs or those that have not had boosters, are most at risk.

The virus, also known as canine parvovirus, or CPV, spreads through body fluids, including dog’s poo, vomit or saliva.

Dog owners have been urged to pick up after their pet.

A statement from Cambourne Town Council informed residents: “Unfortunately we have received some sad news today regarding a resident’s one-year-old puppy that contracted parvovirus and was sadly put down.

“It is assumed to have been contracted within Cambourne despite being fully vaccinated. “The owner has asked us to warn dog owners to be cautious when exercising dogs and remind the importance of picking up dog poo and disposing of correctly.”

Parvovirus can survive outside the body for six months or more, meaning it can be found in grass.

The Blue Cross says: “Your dog can even contract parvo by sniffing another dog’s poo and it’s not uncommon for dogs to catch parvo when out for a walk.

“If your dog has come into contact with bedding, food and water bowls, carpet, or a kennel that a dog with parvovirus has touched, they can catch the virus. Parvo can also be spread on shoes, clothing and human hands.

“It is really important to protect your dog against this horrible disease by vaccinating them.”

Puppies under six months old are particularly susceptible to secondary infections, and can die from dehydration if they contract the virus.

The first parvo vaccine should be given to a puppy when it is six to eight weeks old, with a second vaccine following two weeks later and a booster vaccine at one year old.

Dogs should then have a booster vaccine yearly or, if advised by a vet, less often.

The Blue Cross says symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhoea with blood in it, vomiting, loss of appetite, collapse, depression or fever and it can lead to sudden death.

While it can take up to seven days for a dog to show signs of parvovirus after catching it, most deaths then occur within 48 to 72 hours of these symptoms, meaning it is vital to seek help from a vet rapidly.

Vets will aim to support a dog’s immune system to help it battle the virus and are likely to take a dog into a veterinary hospital to look after it. A dog with parvo will typically be given fluids intravenously to prevent dehydration, may need drugs to counter vomiting and may be given antibiotics to fight secondary infections.

Since an average stay in hospital for a dog fighting parvo will be five to seven days, the cost of treatment can run into hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Vaccinations cost £30 to £70.

The RSPCA says: “Without any treatment about 80 per cent of dogs with parvovirus will die. With treatment about 85 per cent will survive.”

Humans can pass parvo between dogs on their clothes, shoes or hands. However, humans cannot contract parvovirus from a dog.

The human version of parvovirus is different and cannot be passed to dogs.