WARNINGS are being given about a deadly dog virus which is being spread by the hot, dry weather.

White Cross Vets is urging dog owners to ensure their pets’ vaccinations are up to date after seeing an outbreak of the highly contagious, Parvovirus in West Yorkshire.

In the last few weeks several cases of the disease have been treated at the vet’s Guiseley and Eccleshill practices. It is feared more will arise because it can take up to a fortnight for symptoms to be displayed.

The prolonged hot weather has helped spread the virus, which mainly exists in the faeces of infected dogs and is normally washed away into the earth when it rains, causing no harm. Without rain, the virus remains on the ground and is more likely to infect other dogs, especially because it can survive outside the body for many months.

Animal pharmaceutical company Virbac, which has a UK-wide interactive ParvoAlert system, has also seen an increase in reports of the virus across the country, and has issued a warning of the increased Parvo threat.

Clinic Director Andy Miller, from White Cross Vets said: “It seems that an unfortunate consequence of the UK’s wonderful hot summer is the spread of Parvo. All dog owners in the area need to be aware of this outbreak which is one of the most contagious and dangerous diseases that dogs face and can often kill within a few days. It attacks the intestine and white blood cells, and when young dogs are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscles and cause lifelong cardiac problems.”

Seasonal peaks of the virus are common and symptoms include diarrhoea, severe vomiting, loss of appetite or sudden weight loss, dehydration, bloody faeces, a high temperature and lethargy.

Andy added: “Dog owners really need to make sure that they are up to date with vaccines and puppies must receive their core vaccines. If dogs show any of these symptoms, even if they are vaccinated, their owners must call their vets immediately. Owners in the Eccleshill and Guiseley area should also get their dogs specifically vaccinated against Parvovirus, as the disease is highly resistant and can live in an environment for months at a time.”