INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Animal Care Services has seen an increase in canine parvovirus cases at the shelter and is encouraging dog owners to get their pets vaccinated.
Five dogs have tested positive for parvo since coming into IACS on Sunday. The dogs were able to stay with their owners and did not come in contact with the other dogs at the shelter.
IACS offered all five dogs treatment with a voucher.
“Parvo is a highly contagious and deadly virus,” IACS veterinarian Dr. Joe DeBrota said. “Parvo affects both young dogs and unvaccinated adult dogs; for both, it is often fatal.”
The virus is passed through stools and can last in the environment for a year. Parvo has no cure as it is a viral disease.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), lethargy, pain, dehydration, sepsis, and death.
“It is imperative to have your dog or puppy vaccinated against parvo. It’s a preventable illness, and the vaccines are widely available,” Dr. DeBrota said.
As a preventative measure, IACS vaccinates all dogs at intake.
IACS will hold a free parvo vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 9 at Goodwin Center Parking Lot, 3935 West Mooresville Road Indianapolis, IN 46221.
-
IMPD begins traffic enforcement on Meridian Street after resident concerns
IMPD officers are now patrolling Meridian Street after residents raised concerns about the speeding issues they see there all the time.Final phase of West St. resurfacing brings new lane closures to downtown Indy
Lane closures set to begin September 17 as crews complete resurfacing on West St. from Morris to 11th.Documentary explores overlooked creative legacy of Indianapolis
WRTV hosted filmmaker Chris M. Wilborn to learn more about his upcoming project that follows three Indianapolis artists: Gary Gee, Israel Solomon, and Johnson Simon.Police warn of stiffer punishments for violent crime offenders
Police have arrested three teenagers accused of breaking into more than 200 cars in Indianapolis and Fishers, and investigators say federal charges could follow.