Authorities warn pet owners over discovery of deadly virus in parks

As a responsible pet owner, the health and safety of your furry friend is always a top priority.

That's why it's crucial to be aware of the recent warnings to Perth pet owners, particularly those frequenting dog parks in the city's northern suburbs.

The City of Wanneroo has confirmed the presence of the deadly parvovirus at two popular dog parks in Butler: Kingsbridge Park and Pembury Park.



Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially lethal virus that can wreak havoc on our canine companions.

It's known to cause severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and dehydration. In the worst cases, it can lead to a rapid decline in health and even death, particularly in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.


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Parvovirus has been found in several parks in Perth, which can be dangerous for dogs. Credit: Shutterstock


‘The City’s parks maintenance team ensures all parks and open spaces, including our dog parks, are well maintained for the safety of all users,’ the City's Community Safety and Emergency Manager, Kirsten Thrush, said.

‘Unfortunately, due to the highly contagious nature of parvovirus, even when water bowls, play spaces and bins are cleaned regularly, there is still a risk to dogs, especially unvaccinated ones.’

Social media has been abuzz with Butler residents sharing their concerns and reports of local cases, highlighting the urgency of the situation.



It's a stark reminder that our beloved pets can contract parvovirus from virtually any outdoor space where infected dogs have been, including footpaths, beaches, and parks.

‘Dogs can pick up parvovirus from any open space, including footpaths, beaches and parks,’ Thrush said.

‘The best thing any dog owner can do to protect their pet is to make sure they are vaccinated.’

‘I would urge all dog owners to consult their local vet and check if their dog is up to date with its parvovirus vaccinations.’



Remember, the health of our pets is in our hands.

By taking proactive steps, such as ensuring vaccinations are current and being mindful of where we take and feed our dogs, we can help keep them safe from harm.

This comes after vet hospitals saw a spike in dogs ingesting toxic substances such as chocolate and grapes during Easter.

A veterinarian advised keeping these treats from dogs and only giving human food if it’s safe for the animal. You can read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways
  • Perth pet owners are warned about cases of the deadly parvovirus found at dog parks in Butler.
  • The City of Wanneroo confirmed the presence of the virus in Kingsbridge Park and Pembury Park.
  • The local community safety and emergency manager stresses the importance of regular vaccinations to protect dogs.
  • Residents are urged to check with their vets to ensure pets' parvovirus vaccinations are current, given the risk of transmission even in well-maintained areas.
Did your pet have any experiences with parvovirus or other pet health scares? How do you ensure your pet stays protected? Let us know in the comments below.
 
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