ASTORIA, Ore. — Four cases of the potentially fatal canine parvovirus have been confirmed in Pacific County.
The Daily Astorian reports that associate veterinarian in Seaview, Kelly Freese, says one puppy died of the virus in Long Beach. Another three dogs have been treated at clinics in Raymond.
Veterinarians say canine parvovirus, or “parvo,” weakens dogs’ immune systems and causes them to become more susceptible to infection. Symptoms of the virus include vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to possibly fatal dehydration in some cases.
Freese says the number of parvo cases in Washington has grown in the last year. She attributes the increase to pet owners not getting their dogs vaccinated.
Officials say dogs can survive with treatment, but the best course of action is vaccination.
