More than a dozen pet owners have come to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center Community Clinic recently seeking help for their sick puppies that are infected with the dangerous parvovirus, according to a release the Animal Shelter issued Friday.
There is no cure for parvovirus, and it is often fatal in puppies and young dogs that are not vaccinated. "But parvo can be prevented by vaccination," the Animal Shelter said. "All puppies and dogs under two years old should be vaccinated against parvovirus."
The Animal Shelter said parvovirus is especially dangerous because it is very contagious; a dog can spread parvo to other dogs before any sign that it is sick. Parvo spreads through a dog’s feces, and through contaminated objects like food and water bowls, kennels, and toys. Parvo is also dangerous because it lives for a long time in the environment — the virus can live up to a month inside your house, and up to five years outside in your yard, according to the release. The recent heavy rains may have contributed to the increase in parvovirus cases in puppies on St. Croix.
The Animal Shelter urged pet owners to have their puppies and dogs under two years old vaccinated against parvovirus. If puppies and dogs are unvaccinated, pet owners should watch out for these symptoms of parvovirus:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Not Eating
- Not Drinking Water
- Lethargy (no energy, not playful, weak)
If you believe that your dog or puppy is sick with parvo, call your veterinarian right away, the release advised. The sooner you get a sick pet to a veterinarian, the more likely it will survive. If you do not have a veterinarian, call the Community Clinic at 340-778-1651. When you come to the Community Clinic with a sick puppy, do not bring the puppy inside. Leave the puppy in your car, with the air conditioning on or the windows down, and come inside to tell the receptionist that you have a sick puppy. A veterinary technician will come out to your car to assist you. The Community Clinic is located at 5 Corners, next to Thomas Auto Body.
The St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, founded in the 1970s, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing and promoting the humane treatment of animals. The Animal Shelter relies on private donations and grants to serve the people and animals of St. Croix.
"Now more than ever, the SCAWC needs the support of our community. Donations can be made online at www.stcroixawc.org," said the release.
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