Be on guard against parvo virus: Iqaluit Humane Society

This magnified look at the parvo virus looks pretty in pink, but it can kill dogs. (FILE IMAGE)

Dog owners in Iqaluit need to take precautions to avoid the parvo virus.

Like picking up their dogs’ feces — not a pleasant task.

That’s because the parvo virus, a common and potentially deadly viral disease in dogs, is spread from dog to dog through their feces — and it’s easier to catch when the snow melts in the spring and exposes the dark feces.

The Iqaluit Human Society sees a few cases of parvo virus each spring, as well as cases of rabies and distemper, which can all be passed on to other animals, said Janelle Kennedy, president of the Iqaluit Humane Society.

In the spring, dogs seem to be “out and about more,” Kennedy said, so parvo virus is more prevalent.

“It’s something people need to watch out for,” she said.

Symptoms of the parvo virus include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite and fever.

While people can’t catch the parvo virus, it’s extremely contagious among dogs.

So, dogs who already have the parvo virus should be quarantined to prevent the virus from spreading to other dogs.

Older and younger dogs are particularly at risk for catching the virus because “their immune system just isn’t prepared,” Kennedy said.

People should have their dogs vaccinated against the parvo virus, the “best line of defense.”

Why? Because even people can spread the virus, or as Kennedy put it, “you can’t bleach your shoes after every time you go into North Mart.”

In the United States, dog parks have even been closed down because of the parvo virus, she said.

Although there is an veterinarian in Iqaluit who can vaccinate dogs against the parvo virus, the Iqaluit Humane Society still held a free parvo virus clinic, where 50 Iqaluit dogs received a vaccination against the virus.

Some pet owners were turned away because the humane society ran out of the vaccine.

But Kennedy said just picking up after your dog can help stop the spread of parvo virus and other viruses that can be harmful to dogs.

Anyone interested in learning more about parvo virus or vaccinating their dog, should contact the local veterinarian, she added.