49 dogs in Prince George received a free vaccine to help protect them from the contagious canine parvovirus last weekend.
The BC SPCA put on a free vaccine clinic to protect dogs from the virus on February 14th at the Prince George Spay/Neuter Clinic, in response to reports of the virus in the community.
“Parvo is such a scary virus, especially for unvaccinated dogs and puppies. It spreads very quickly with transmission happening both through other infected dogs but also sometimes through contaminated environments,” said Senior Manager of Community Services Jamey Blair.
“So many folks in our community are struggling right now and they are already making tough cost savings decisions. We knew that some people were facing having to decide whether to protect their loved ones or put food on the table for their families. It was so important for us to act quickly and to offer this vaccine clinic with as few barriers to access as possible.”
According to Blair, the vaccines were donated by Zoetis, the manufacturer of the parvovirus vaccine.
The BC SPCA says pet guardians should monitor for signs of parvovirus, which includes:
- lethargy,
- loss of appetite,
- severe, often bloody diarrhea,
- vomiting,
- abdominal pain and bloating,
- fever or low body temperature.
They say any guardian whose dog is showing these symptoms should seek veterinary help right away.
The BC SPCA says early treatment can be the difference between a smooth recovery and a potential loss of life.
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