After a recent shut down of the Calgary Humane Society, Parvovirus has been on the top of pet owners minds.

Since the virus is so contagious, many people are worried it could come down here.

Kirsten MacKenzie, from At Home Vet Services says, There is one sure way to protect your fur babies.

"Parvovirus isn't typically an annual vaccine, but that depends on treatment plans outlined by you and your vet. However, It is most important to vaccinate puppies with a full set of three vaccines."

MacKenzie says vaccinations for pets are important to ensure they don't contract the virus, since Parvo is extremely infectious.

"Parvovirus is highly contagious, and it lives in the environment for quite a long time, so it's not easy to eliminate it. It is highly infectious for puppies in particular, and any un-vaccinated dogs."

She mentions that it might be best to avoid places like the dog park while waiting for your pup's full set of vaccines.

"Puppyhood is the most important time to socialize your pets, so it is a challenge to do that while protecting them." MacKenzie says "That's why it's important that we start those vaccines at the right time and boost them afterwards."

Symptoms of Parvovirus are vomiting, loss of appetite, depression and usually a bloody diarrhea.

If you have any concerns, it's best to have a conversation with your vet.

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