Narrabri has even been named as one of the top 10 hotspots for the disease, with 22 cases in the past few months and Tamworth vets treating more dogs in recent weeks. 

Tamworth Veterinary Hospital’s Dr Jess Bourke said they had two or three cases last week, with some of them having to be euthanased.

“There never really seems to be a break from (parvovirus), but we have had a bit of a surge recently,” she said.

The only way to stop your dog from getting the virus is to vaccinate them and ensure they have their annual booster. 

“Dogs need three puppy vaccinations, the last being at 14 to 16 weeks,” she said.

“A lot of people buy a puppy and the breeder says they have had all their shots, but they need to make sure they check the dates on the vaccination cards, and if they don’t have a card, then assume no vaccinations have been given and they should speak to a vet about appropriate vaccination protocols.”

Parvovirus is so prevalent because it can live in the environment for several years under the right conditions.

“Even if your dog has never come into contact with another dog, you can walk where a dog with parvo has been and bring it home in the dirt on your shoes,” Dr Bourke said.

Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea, with early treatment vital in ensuring dogs have the best chance of recovery.