It has recently come to our attention that there has been a mutated strain of parvovirus detected in dogs in the Bellarine Peninsula, which is causing very severe illness in dogs. All the affected dogs had either not been vaccinated or were overdue for vaccination. This is a warning to everyone to ensure that our precious dogs are up to date with their vaccinations for protection against this highly infectious strain of parvovirus.

Parvovirus most commonly causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea in unvaccinated puppies, but can also cause disease in adult dogs. Parvovirus can be fatal in severe cases and in all cases requires intensive care with hospitalisation and medical management. The virus is highly contagious and survives for several years in the environment making vaccination critical in preventing disease. It is also critical to note that puppies undergoing their initial course of vaccinations are not fully protected until they have completed their final vaccination.

Please contact us if you are unsure about your dog's vaccination status and to schedule a vaccination and health check if vaccination is due.

Read more about Parvovirus here