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Southern Utah Dog Owners Should Be Alert to Signs of Parovirus

A recent warning by Animal Control officials in Mesquite, Nevada, has dog owners in Southern Utah and Nevada on the lookout for signs of the very dangerous, even fatal, canine parovirus.

Parovirus infections have been detected recently in dogs whose owners sought treatment at the Mesquite Animal Shelter. The disease only affects dogs, but is very contagious, causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The virus can survive for several months and can infect dogs through direct contact with other infected dogs or even through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. There is a vaccine, but it can take some time for the series to become fully protective.

If your dog shows symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite or fever, consult your vet immediately. Early treatment is essential to your pet's survival if the diagnosis is parovirus.

Chris Holmes holds a Masters of Professional Communication degree from Southern Utah University. While at SUU his work received numerous awards including the 2009 King Foundation Best of Festival Award in the National Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts. Chris is co-host of the daily public affairs program, Big Picture Morning Show on radio station KSUB (Cedar City, Utah). He also is a sports and news contributor at Cherry Creek Media. He lives in Cedar City, with wife, Marie and five children.