Deadly canine parvovirus outbreak linked to two London dog parks

Veterinarians are warning Londoners to make sure their dogs are vaccinated and keeping clean after a deadly virus outbreak was declared in London this week.

The Humane Society London & Middlesex warned dog owners about the presence of canine parvovirus on their social media pages on Tuesday, listing Chelsea Green Park and Watson Street Park as dog parks connected to the outbreak. There is no word on how many dogs have been infected. 

"Folks generally see that their dog isn't feeling well all of a sudden: he seems a little down, he's a little off his food, his tummy is upset," said Laurie Ristmae, executive director of the East Village Animal Hospital. "Then, quickly, it goes from not feeling super to being on death's door."

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that attacks an infected dog's white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract, causing lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It is most common among puppies and unvaccinated dogs. 

Dogs often contract the disease after ingesting the fecal matter of an infected dog, which Ristmae said is more common than London dog owners may realize. 

"If the dog just walks over some dirt where another [infected] dog has defecated, that has the virus, and it gets on the pads of their paws," she said. "They're cleaning themselves off, and they're ingesting it in a way without you ever seeing it."

Ristmae said the virus acts fast, with symptoms showing up anywhere between days to two weeks. 

"Parvovirus is a terrifying, traumatic experience, not only for the dog that's suffering but the people who love the dog and the people that treat the dog," Ristmae said. 

Getting infected dogs to a veterinarian soon after symptoms appear is crucial, said Kelly McCall, a veterinary technician and manager at Byron Animal Clinic.

"It is very life-threatening if it's not treated properly, or even if it is treated, it is a deadly virus," she said.

McCall said that treatment for canine parvovirus is symptomatic, such as using IV fluids to help with dehydration or feeding to help with vomiting.

Both McCall and Ristmae said that it's better for pet owners to take early precautions by ensuring their dogs are vaccinated against the disease.

"It can be a matter of life or death if they're unvaccinated," said McCall. "If they're vaccinated, there's less likelihood that they're going to pick it up."

McCall said Byron Animal Clinic has received phone calls from clients asking to double-check their pet's vaccination status.