Omaha dog shelter reports increase in parvovirus cases

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue is alerting the community of a deadly disease killing dogs, known as parvovirus.

The organization helps rescue and take care of dogs, and they also do the tough job of taking in “parvopups” and treating them. Muddy Paws tells 6 News they’ve spent more than $100,000 treating sick pups this year.

Pups like Winfred, Mary, and Sara are lucky.

“They came from a litter of five and their two siblings had parvo first and they unfortunately did not make it,” Mary Duron with Muddy Paws said. “They passed before being able to come to our care and treat them.”

Unfortunately, Muddy Paws has also seen more parvo cases than the years before.

“We saw probably about 30 to 35 cases per year cases of parvo,” Duron said. “This year we’ve already hit 36 and we’re not even till the end of the year yet. It used to be more during the spring time, summer time, we’re seeing it more year round now.”

Duron said the virus lives in the environment. It goes after a pups digestive system and can make them lose their appetite and cause symptoms like vomiting and bloody diarrhea.

Duron said a reason they’re seeing more cases is because people aren’t vaccinating their pups for several reasons.

“The costs of a vet visit and vaccines can be expensive to some people, some can’t afford it, or don’t know about it," Duron said.

The best way to prevent parvo is to vaccinate your pup as early as eight weeks old. Muddy Paws offers free clinics to those who need them. Duron said there’s nothing better than helping a pup get back to being happy and healthy, but it starts with the public’s help.

“We even lost a few lives recently and it’s incredibly sad that our numbers are rising despite our efforts,” Duron said. “There’s only so much we can do about that.“

Duron wants to remind everyone, even though puppies are most at risk, all dogs can get the virus. Muddy paws hosts a free vaccine clinic every third Saturday of the month. They are also hosting their annual boo bash event this Saturday to promote their efforts.

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