The deadly infection has a 91 per cent mortality rate in untreated dogs, and veterinarian Isaac Roebuck said warmer weather could be to blame for the flare-up.

"Without intensive, expensive veterinary treatment, parvo will kill your dog," he said.

"A puppy can go from happy and healthy to dead within two-to-three days.

"For every case you see there's going to be more that die alone at home, and unfortunately if you don't have the financial backing for treatment - euthanasia is recommended because they're going to die if they don't get treatment."

The start of spring means more people are walking their dogs, there's more social interaction and the viral particle is more active.

Parvovirus can survive for weeks if it comes into contact with a person, dog and any instrument.

Mr Roebuck urges dog-owners to look for the signs and call in advance if they think their pet could be infected.

"Parvovirus is a significant virus in dogs, common symptoms include initially lethargy, vomiting, inappetence progressing to bloody diarrhea," he said.

"If your dog is flat, off its food and obviously un-vaccinated and you're seeing it vomit and things like that you would be suspicious of parvo.

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"The virus itself attacks the gastrointestinal lining of the bowel, that's where it replicates and is excreted as the bowel breaks down."

There's a strict vaccination protocol at eight, 12 and 16 weeks, it's recommended dogs have a booster shot every 12 months.

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