Parvovirus found in Belle River

A local groomer has confirmed a positive case of parvovirus, found in Belle River.

PAWpular PAWs, the groomer, said the dog visited its facility, with the owner confirming the dog tested positive for canine parvovirus after its appointment.

PAWpular PAWs said it is taking strict protocols. It spoke to a trusted veterinarian, noting the following in a social media post:

Unfortunately, the virus can survive on surfaces for months indoors and outdoors. It can be carried on shoes and be in all common areas, including walking paths, dog facilities, dog parks etc. Basically, anywhere other dogs frequent.

Therefore, as we have had a confirmed case, any dog that has entered our facility is at risk. We have attempted to inform all customers who have visited us this week, informed our local veterinarians and local daycares as well.

Veterinarians are continuing to say there should be little to no concern if your dog is vaccinated and healthy. Puppies, elderly, immune compromised, and unvaccinated dogs are at heightened risk and should be monitored for symptoms.

Symptoms can present as, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, abdominal pain, and low body temp. Although vaccinated dogs have a reduced risk of contracting and spreading diseases like parvo or distemper, transmission is still possible.

After employees were made aware, the groomer promptly closed down and thoroughly disinfected everywhere in the facility.

The post continued:

Once our shop is disinfected, we will reopen and resume business but monitoring your pets and keeping them safe is a group effort. Please do your part. If you have concerns or want to take extra precautions, please speak with your veterinarian. Our number one priority is keeping all of our dogs safe, so we have tried to provide you with as much information as we can.

Please understand we are in communication with hundreds of customers so we may not be able to respond promptly.

Dr. Kate Sweetman of the Downtown Veterinary Hospital recently spoke with AM800 on the topic of parvovirus.

“When you get a puppy, you come to your vet and they give the vaccine, it is so important that you return for that booster vaccine because that one vaccine alone will not work,” said Sweetman.

“It’s when we re-challenge the immune system in a four to six-week window, to booster that vaccine, that really solidifies the immunity.”

At Sweetman’s clinic, the parvovirus vaccine costs $34 plus exam costs.

Important things to keep in mind to protect your dogs are:

• Picking up after your pet
• Keeping your animal clean
• Avoiding the use of dog parks and boarding facilities or any other place where your pet may encounter unvaccinated animals, or you feel is unclean
• Avoid sharing equipment like dog bowls, toys and grooming tools

The dog received medical attention overnight at the vet's office and has improved significantly. He is now home and recovering.

- With files from AM800