By Matt Smith/Staff Writer
June 30, 2007 12:08 pm
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Several cases of canine parvovirus, or parvo, and distemper affecting dogs and puppies have been reported recently, officials said. Neither disease is transmittable to humans.
Although deadly, both diseases are preventable. Both most commonly attack a dog’s intestinal tract and are shed in feces and vomit.
Puppies are most susceptible to catching the diseases, said Jerry Dean, Cleburne Animal Shelter director.
Parvo can spread in an airborne manner or on the ground, Dean said. Birds and cats, although not susceptible to Parvo, often spread the disease by tracking it into new yards or eating from a dog’s food in one yard before traveling to another.
“Other affected dogs can spread it through feces, saliva, any contact really,” Dean said. “Dogs walking through a yard can get it on the bottom of their feet.”
Local veterinarians are working with Cleburne Animal Shelter officials to ensure the facility’s health-monitoring systems and disinfection procedures remain sufficient to prevent the community-wide problem from affecting animals at the shelter.
Dog owners should take the following steps to protect their pets from distemper and parvo:
F Make sure dogs or puppies remain up to date on vaccinations, including parvo.
F Keep pets away from the feces of other dogs.
F Remove animal feces from yards often.
F Keep animal food bowls and bedding clean.
The Cleburne Animal Shelter offers low-cost vaccinations three times a month, Dean said. For information on dates, call 817-648-0650.
Pet owners are further urged to watch their dogs carefully for symptoms of parvo and distemper. Symptoms include loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, fever, depression, lethargy and diarrhea, which is often grayish or yellowish and streaked with blood.
Receiving proper veterinary treatment soon after symptoms appear can save an infected dog’s life.
Matt Smith can be reached at 817-645-2441, ext. 2339, or msmith@trcle.com.
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