'Highly contagious' dog disease confirmed at Moray surgery as puppies at risk

A case of a “highly contagious” dog disease has been confirmed at a surgery in Moray.

Moray Coast Vet Group said one dog at its surgery in Forres is in isolation after it was diagnosed with canine parvovirus.

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can affect dogs and puppies, and can be spread through direct contact with an infected dog’s faeces.

The vet practice says it’s a “hardy virus” which can lie dormant in the environment, with puppies and unvaccinated dogs being particularly at risk.

Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite and bloody diarrhoea, and can progress to dehydration, severe lethargy and death.

Dog owners are being urged to check their pets’ vaccination status, as a vaccine is the most effective way to prevent a dog from becoming ill.

A post on the surgery’s Facebook read: “Sadly, we have a confirmed case of Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) at Forres surgery.

“If your dog is fully up to date with their vaccinations then they are at a low risk of parvovirus.

“Cats cannot catch canine parvovirus.

“The patient is in isolation and being barrier nursed, and there’s no risk to other pets visiting the practice, which will have no contact with the sick dog.

“Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can affect dogs and puppies. It can be spread through direct contact with an infected dog’s faeces. It’s a hardy virus which can lie dormant in the environment.

“Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are particularly at risk.”