Dog Disease Has Center City Residents Worrying About Their Pets
By Anita Oh
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A rising number of cases of Parvo in our region has dog owners in the area concerned. The disease is extremely contagious and can even be deadly.
As the temperatures rise, the Pennsylvania SPCA warns that there could be an increased risk for your pets too.
While you work to keep them safe, your dogs may be exposed to a risk you can't see.
Medical experts say warmer weather can create an environment where viruses can thrive and spread among pets.
"Over the summer, over an 8-week period of time, we saw 73 Parvo positive dogs," said Dr. Jeff Stupine of the PSPCA.
Right now, two puppies are recovering from the Parvo virus at the Erie Avenue SPCA. "Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy are the three biggest signs," says Stupine. "It is a horrible disease and it's almost 100 percent preventable."
Stupine says vaccination is the key. "Fatality rates can reach as much as 90 percent," Stupine said if vaccinations are not administered.
Pet owners say those shots for rabies, Parvo and other viruses come at a cost, but they say it's the price of keeping your pets and everyone else around them safe.
"I would not own a dog unless it's vaccinated," said Tim Morgan. "That would just be crazy. It's important for your neighbors, for kids, other pets, local wildlife...you have to have your dog vaccinated; any kind of pet, or you shouldn't be a pet owner."