Bannock county seeing some cases of parvo virus; vets warn dog owners to be cautious

Veterinarians in the Pocatello and Chubbuck areas are reporting some cases of parvo virus. Vets say while there doesn’t seem to be an outbreak or epidemic, even a few cases can be dangerous. So they want to urge dog owners to be careful.

Parvo virus affects dogs, especially puppies. It’s highly contagious and easily spread.

It’s an intestinal virus where dogs can’t absorb the proper nutrients. Some signs of the virus are vomiting, diarrhea, not eating or drinking, and a lack of energy in dogs.

It is treatable, but it can take up to a few weeks to get it out of a dog’s system. Vets say the best treatment is simply prevention.

“The best way to avoid it is to have your dogs vaccinated,” said Matthew Engle, a veterinarian with Alameda Pet Hospital. “Definitely vaccination is key and unfortunately, having non-vaccinated dogs in the population is what puts all the other dogs in the population at risk.”

Engle said he’s had two cases of parvo at Alameda in the last couple weeks. He said that’s a little bit unusual to have them so close together. Because other vets are also reporting a few cases, he said the public should just be weary and get their dogs vaccinated.

Vaccines can be given at any veterinarian’s office or pet hospital. The cost for the vaccine is about $20.