SPCA is urgently calling on dog and puppy owners across New Zealand to vaccinate their pets against the highly contagious and potentially fatal canine parvovirus (parvo), as the country faces a third outbreak in as many years.

Parvo is a severe illness that causes symptoms such as lethargy, severe vomiting, and bloody diarrhoea, leading to life-threatening dehydration. The virus can survive in the environment for up to a year, meaning unvaccinated dogs are at constant risk of infection.

SPCA’s Head Veterinarian, Nathan Wong, says they are currently seeing five to six cases a day at the Mangere Centre.

“There is a worrying increase in parvo cases. In Auckland alone, we’re receiving an overwhelming number of calls from pet owners needing help,” says Nathan Wong.

“The cost-of-living challenges that many people are facing mean some owners are unable to afford vaccinations or treatment, leaving their pets at risk of a disease that is both preventable and deadly.”

“It is much more affordable, and far less heartbreaking, to vaccinate a puppy or dog. Vaccinations cost between $39 and $100 but treating a dog with parvo can cost upwards of $1,000.”

Unfortunately, once parvovirus has been contracted, it is too late to vaccinate to prevent the disease.

The virus spreads through the faeces of infected dogs, contaminating surfaces such as bedding, cages, the ground and even people’s clothing and footwear.

We’ve seen really upsetting cases where dogs are passing away from parvovirus, the owners get a new dog and it again contracts the same virus.” says Nathan.

“This illness is painful, debilitating, and often fatal. It’s devastating not only for the animals but also for their owners, who have to watch their dog suffer.”

Until puppies are fully vaccinated, owners should take precautions to reduce exposure. Avoid walking puppies in high-risk areas such as parks and footpaths and keep them away from unvaccinated dogs.

Socialisation, which is essential for developing confident and friendly adult dogs, can still be done safely by introducing puppies to healthy, vaccinated dogs in controlled environments like your garden or puppy classes.

Please contact your vet to ensure your pet is fully up to date on vaccinations and ask for advice on safely socialising puppies to protect them from parvo.

“If dogs are vaccinated, we can stop the spread of this deadly virus,” says Nathan.