Good Time to Talk About Routine Healthcare for Your Pet

Agricultural officials have identified the highly contagious canine parvovirus as the illness that has recently killed dozens of dogs in Michigan.

There have been no reported outbreaks in Illinois, local veterinarians say the situation in Michigan serves as a good reminder to keep your pets up to date on their vaccines.

“Pet owners are urged to keep up with routine vaccinations for their dogs, keep unvaccinated puppies away from other dogs, clean up after your pets and keep any dog with signs of illness away from other canines,” said Kane County Animal Control Administrator Dr. Brett Youngsteadt. “Vaccination is a critical component in preventing your dog from getting sick.”

Canine parvovirus is a common virus that is a gastrointestinal condition that typically affects puppies before they have gotten their vaccines.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea.

Parvovirus can easily spread through direct dog-to-dog contact as well as contact with contaminated feces or objects like a water bowl used by an infected dog.

Kane County offers rabies vaccine clinics throughout the year. No appointment is necessary and it’s for dogs and cats. The next clinic is Wednesday September 21, 2022. Go to www.kanecountypets.com for more information.