DOG OWNERS are being urged to get their pets vaccinated against a potentially deadly disease after a stray was found carrying the virus.
Parvo is highly contagious and is on the increase throughout the county. Bourbon was found earlier this month by Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ dog wardens who diagnosed him with the virus.
Simple vaccinations can contain the disease within dogs but if left untreated dogs can experience horrible symptoms, such as diarrhoea, and can be fatal.
Dog warden Pip Singleton is urging people to stay up to date with their pets’ injections every year and to seek help if they can not afford them rather than abandoning their dogs.
She said: “I keep saying this but having a dog costs a lot in time and money and people need to think twice before committing to getting one.
“If your dog contracts Parvo then the vets’ bills will be much bigger than the cost of vaccinations and boosters – hence why these poor creatures are just dumped.
“It used to be one or two cases a year but I have had over ten cases in the last couple of years.
“People need to be educated on this vile disease and to take action to stop it spreading and causing suffering to other animals.”
For more information, contact the dog wardens on 01905 822799.
