Canine parvovirus (also known as parvo) cases are continuing to rise in New York City, with vets warning dog owners about the deadly virus. Meanwhile, Animal Care Centers of NYC urges dog owners to get their pets vaccinated against parvo, highly contagious virus that affects the gastrointestinal tract of canines.

About parvovirus in New York City

According to NBC New York, 25 cases have been reported in the city, which is up from five cases in 2022 and 10 in 2021. Meanwhile, three cases were recorded in 2019 and 2020. Dr. Robin Brennen, senior vice president of Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), compared the numbers in March, saying:

We normally see a limited number of parvo cases in any given year. But in 2023, we have already seen so many cases and that number continues to rise.

According to ACC, any dog can contract parvovirus. Ho, but unvaccinated dogs and puppies less than four months old are at higher risk. Meanwhile, there are major concerns over backyard breeders, who don’t vaccinate the dogs, as well as dog owners who don’t have access to vet care.

What is parvovirus and how does it spread?

Canine parvo spreads from contact with an infected dog or its feces. Meanwhile, its symptoms include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea and loss of appetite. These symptoms typically present five to seven days after exposure. Moreover, any dog suspected of having the virus should be isolated to prevent the spread to other dogs.

Those dogs confirmed with parvo are usually hospitalized while receiving antibiotics and electrolyte therapy. Meanwhile, if left untreated, the virus has a 90 percent mortality rate. Moreover, Dr. Hannah Lau, a vet at Bond Vet said that virus tests tripled over February and March this year.

Which breeds are more susceptible?

According to Dr. Lau, any breed is susceptible to parvovirus infection. However, she did note that American pit bulls, German shepherds, Doberman pinschers, English Springer spaniels and Rottweilers are at higher risk. Meanwhile, the vet did assure animal lovers that parvo cannot spread to other house pets or humans. Lau went on to urge dog owners about vaccination, saying:

Timely and appropriate vaccination is the best way to protect your dog from parvovirus. Prevention of disease is the best medicine. Schedule a wellness exam for your new puppy as soon as possible to discuss vaccination with your veterinarian.

Meanwhile, the spike in parvovirus cases isn’t limited to New York City, as veterinary hospitals across the country are reporting an increase in cases. Rachel Lunceford, an urgent care technician at Pet Resource Center in Kansas City said the clinic sees multiple cases each day.

Meanwhile, experts told FOX4 that it could cost dog owners a minimum of $2,000 to treat an unvaccinated dog. In fact, many of the infected pets end up requiring 14 to 18 days of treatment including hospitalization.

Should your dog show possible signs of parvovirus, ensure you take it to the vet to check for the virus.