Florence, OR — Oregon Coast Humane Society’s Veterinary Clinic is urging local pet guardians to vaccinate their dogs and take precautions after multiple confirmed cases of canine parvovirus (parvo) were identified in the Florence area this week.
This bulldog was a great patient at Dr. Guevara examined and vaccinated him.
On May 27, OCHS Veterinary Clinic treated a pregnant pit bull diagnosed with parvo, a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus that primarily affects dogs and puppies. Following community outreach efforts, OCHS learned of at least one additional confirmed case in Florence in which a mother dog and her five puppies died from the disease.
“Parvo spreads quickly and can be devastating, especially for puppies and unvaccinated dogs,” said OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson. “Vaccination is the best protection, and early treatment is critical for survival.”
Parvo is spread through direct contact with infected dogs, as well as contaminated feces, vomit, water bowls, bedding, leashes, and other surfaces. The virus is extremely hardy and can survive in soil for up to a year.
Pet guardians are encouraged to avoid taking unvaccinated dogs or puppies to public parks, sidewalks, dog-friendly businesses, or other high-traffic areas where infected dogs may have been present. Early symptoms of parvo include sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Anyone noticing symptoms should seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
OCHS Veterinarian Dr. Tamay Guevara administers a vaccine to a community member’s pet during an outreach event on May 28th.
Fortunately, parvo is preventable through vaccination. Puppies should receive a series of three DHPP vaccines, and adult dogs should be vaccinated annually to maintain protection. In Florence, parvo vaccines are available through local veterinary clinics and can also be purchased over the counter at Mini Pet Mart on Highway 101.
In response to the confirmed cases, OCHS Veterinarian Dr. Tamay Guevara and OCHS team members Valerie Swensrud and Shane Lissy conducted outreach throughout Florence on May 28, administering free DHPP and rabies vaccines to dogs belonging to unhoused neighbors. Booster vaccines will be provided in three weeks for puppies and dogs requiring follow-up protection.
The pregnant pit bull treated at the OCHS Veterinary Clinic received emergency medical care and has since been reunited with her owner. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Oregon Coast Humane Society encourages all pet guardians to check their dogs’ vaccination status and contact a veterinarian if they have questions about prevention or symptoms.