The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is warning Saskatoon-area dog owners about a potentially deadly virus.
The SPCA’s Saskatoon shelter took in a puppy late last week testing positive for parovirus, a highly contagious intestinal infection.
The condition is most likely to affect younger dogs and dogs who haven’t been vaccinated.
The SPCA urged dog owners to make sure their animals’ vaccinations are up-to-date.
Lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs of parovirus. Dogs exhibiting these symptoms should be taken immediately to a vet, according to an SPCA release issued Monday.
The release stated that the disease is always present in the community, but last week’s warmer weather may have led it to re-emerge earlier than usual this year.