DOG owners living in regions recently impacted by floods and severe wet weather are being urged to check on the vaccination status of their companion animals, due to the slightly elevated risk of contracting parvovirus.
Parvovirus spreads through dog faeces and has has been known to thrive in wet soil for up to 12 months, according to a Logan City Council statement, which also listed known symptoms as lack of appetite, drooling, lethargy, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Logan City Council’s animals, parks, and city standards committee chair Cr Jennie Breene said the simplest way for dog owners to mitigate the risk is to ensure animal vaccinations are up to date.
“Puppies, unvaccinated dogs and those that haven’t had the booster shot are the most vulnerable in the community, however the virus can affect dogs of any age or breed,” Cr Breene said.
Dr Paul McMahon of Jimboomba Veterinary Surgery said dog owners whose animals are exhibiting symptoms similar to those of parvovirus should make an appointment with their vet and not hesitate to take their animal in, since the virus can be identified with a quick test and animals treated under quarantine conditions.
“The current vaccination is extremely good,” Dr McMahon said.
“Parvovirus is a curable but painful disease for an animal to endure. We hate watching what the animal goes through.
“It’s simply a matter of keeping vaccinations up to date.”
The council statement underlined that humans are not at risk of contracting the parvovirus that dogs carry.