The highly contagious dog virus - Parvovirus (parvo) - has reared its head once again in the Lismore area, causing the death of a number of local dogs.

Lismore Veterinary Clinic vet Nick Jones said the clinic had treated a puppy earlier this week, after it tested positive to the virus.

“We heard someone had a bitch and they lost her and the whole litter too,” Nick said.

“Another Lismore vet clinic also had a parvo case presented this week.”

Nick said the virus is easily preventable if dog owners take the time to get their dogs vaccinated.

Signs of parvovirus in unvaccinated dogs and puppies include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea.

“The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to uncontrollable diarrhoea,” Nick said.

“The dog sheds the lining of the gut trying to get rid of the virus and the only treatment is to support the dog with fluids and antibiotics.

“The dog owner may see bloody diarrhoea flecked of gut lining and it can be blood putrid smelling.

“Not all dogs with diarrhoea will have parvo, but it’s worth getting your dog checked out if you are worried.”

Nick said treatment for parvo is expensive and the outcome can still be fatal.

“Treatment can cost thousands of dollars because we have to isolate the dog in a sanitised environment - and we have to wear personal protective equipment when treating the contagious animal,” he said.

“Dogs can be in hospital for weeks during recovery too.”

Nick said parvo is a virus that periodically appears – it’s never fully eliminated.

“Once the virus gets into the environment from an unvaccinated animal, it can last for months, and dogs can pick it up from each other and from touching another dogs faeces,” he said.

Nick said the only way to ensure a dog wouldn’t get parvo was to vaccinate it – and it’s never too late to vaccinate.

“A full grown dog can be vaccinated, and we recommend people vaccinate puppies, staring at six to eight weeks old,” he said.

“The vaccination only costs $150 dollars and provides 100% protection – cheaper than treatment if they get the virus.”