EIGHT dogs have died after an outbreak of parvovirus in Worcestershire.
Dog wardens covering the county are concerned about the number of strays they have picked up this year alone with the canine parvovirus infection (CPV).
Parvo takes on two forms. Intestinal parvo is characterised by vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, or the cardiac form which attacks the heart muscles of young puppies, leading to death.
Simple regular vaccinations can stop the virus attacking dogs and spreading throughout the canine community.
Worcestershire’s Senior Dog Warden Pip Singleton said: “People can’t afford the vaccines and then when their pets become ill with Parvo, which sees horrendous symptoms, they just dump their dogs.
“It sickens me to see the animals suffering and fighting for their lives on drips for the sake of a few quid which could prevent this.
“I have personally nursed a dog dying of Parvo and if you could see the trauma they go through, you wouldn’t think twice about getting the vaccine sorted.
“Instead the bill for care and treatment is being footed by the taxpayers of Worcestershire.”
Worcestershire Regulatory Services offers help and advice for people who have a pet and are struggling to meet the financial cost.
Pip added: “Don’t just dump your dog. We can help you before the situation gets critical and stop the unnecessary suffering of these loving, loyal creatures.”
If you spot a dog who is in distress or want help from our dog wardens, call 01905 822799.
