Cases of a highly contagious disease which can prove fatal to dogs have been reported across the country.
Parvovirus attacks a dog's cells in their intestine stopping them from being able to absorb vital nutrients.
The dog becomes dehydrated and weak and can experience a lot of suffering.
But it can be vaccinated against and vets are urging people to ensure their canines are protected.
Animal pharmaceutical company Virbac, which has a UK-wide interactive ParvoAlert system, has also seen an increase in reports of the virus across the country, and has issued a warning of the increased Parvo threat, reports Birmingham Live.
An interactive map of recent cases can be found here.
How common is Parvovirus?
Speaking to Birmingham Live, Clinic Director and Vet, Kathryn Wale, from White Cross Vets said: “There were several cases in July and August when the prolonged hot weather helped spread the virus, which mainly exists within the dog poo of infected dogs and is normally washed away into the earth when it rains, causing no harm.
"Without rain, the virus remains on the ground and is more likely to infect other dogs, especially because it can survive outside the body for many months.
"We, like many other local vets, have treated several cases in the last few weeks and want to warn dog owners to be vigilant for the symptoms as it can take up to a fortnight for dogs to display them after being exposed to the virus.
“All dog owners in the area therefore need to be aware of this outbreak, which is one of the most contagious and dangerous diseases that dogs face, and can often kill within a few days.
"It attacks the intestine and white blood cells, and when young dogs are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscles and cause lifelong cardiac problems.”
Seasonal peaks of the virus are common and symptoms include diarrhoea, severe vomiting, loss of appetite or sudden weight loss, dehydration, bloody faeces, a high temperature and lethargy.
Kathryn added: “Dog owners really need to make sure that they are up to date with vaccines and puppies must receive their core vaccines.
"If dogs show any of these symptoms, even if they are vaccinated, their owners must call their vets immediately.
"Owners in the Walsall area in particular should also get their dogs specifically vaccinated against Parvovirus, as the disease is highly resistant.”
How to treat Parvovirus
The easiest and safest way to protect dogs against parvovirus is by vaccinating against it and keeping up to date with the annual vaccinations. Kathryn said: “We believe almost 50% of dogs are not vaccinated annually so we would urge all dog owners in the area to ensure their pets’ annual boosters are up to date.
“Most of the cases that we’ve seen in this latest outbreak have been dogs that have fallen behind with their annual injections or puppies that haven’t been properly vaccinated.
"The simple solution is for dog owners to get their pets booked in now for a vaccination to avoid them falling victim to this devastating disease.”
White Cross Vets is currently offering an additional vaccination for just £10, until the outbreak passes to help prevent any more pets contracting the disease.