Dog owners in Maine are being asked to take steps to protect their pets from a potentially deadly virus.

The Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic in Warren says it’s seeing a significant increase in canine parvovirus cases throughout the Midcoast and Augusta areas.

The clinic says it’s also been alerted to possible contamination at Quarry Hill Dog Park in Portland.

Parvovirus is also referred to as parvo, and typically affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs.

The Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic says dogs may require hospitalization for 7 days or longer. The clinic says survival rates can be 75–80 percent with “prompt, aggressive” care, but delays can be fatal.

The clinic recommends the following:

PREVENTION
Vaccination is the most effective protection.
Puppies need a series of distemper/parvo vaccines (usually 3 rounds, 2-3 weeks apart) to be fully protected. Many owners don’t realize that one or two vaccines is not enough.
Until that full series is complete:
Keep puppies at home or in controlled, low-risk environments
Avoid dog parks, pet stores, daycare, groomers, and other high-traffic areas
Be cautious about where your puppy is walking (shared outdoor spaces can be a risk)

IF YOUR PUPPY IS SICK
If your puppy (especially under one year old) is having vomiting or diarrhea:
1. Call your vet first
2. When you arrive, keep your puppy *in the car* and notify staff
This helps protect other patients in the building in case your puppy is contagious.

TREATMENT
Parvovirus requires early and aggressive care. Most dogs need hospitalization with minimum of:
– IV fluids
– Medications for nausea and infection
– Close monitoring