A VET is sending out a warning to pet owners to make sure their dogs are fully vaccinated after a one-year-old puppy in Hook has died after testing positive for parvovirus.

The dog was taken to the Hook Veterinary Centre by its owners who were becoming increasingly concerned for its welfare.

Canine parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious disease that damages cells inside the small intestines of a dog, which can affect its ability to absorb the necessary nutrients. This means that dogs, including puppies, will become very weak.

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Parvovirus is easily passed on from an infected dog to other dogs that aren't up to date on their vaccinations.

The vets believe the one-year-old had been in contact with another dog who had the virus.

Clare Lissmann, clinical director at Hook Veterinary Centre, said: “It was a one-year-old dog that was brought in to us yesterday (September 12) it was really poorly and not able to move.

“The owner had actually only collected the dog a few weeks ago. They contacted us and we saw it immediately, the dog was very cold to the touch. The owner was very concerned but had finical difficulties but we are very fortunate that we have our care fund and were able to help cover the costs of at least a diagnosis.”

Tests confirmed the dog had the virus and the difficult decision was made to put the pet down, which was “the kindest thing to do”.

Now Ms Lissmann is hoping to raise awareness about the virus and the importance of vaccinations.

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She added: “I think the best thing to do to prevent this is to ensure your puppy has had its full course of vaccinations and it is important that the course is followed per the instructions of your vet.

“If you are unsure there is no harm in vaccinating the dog again. Prevention is always the key here and it is absolutely heart-breaking to lose a dog in this way.”

She said she has not seen a case of the disease since 2009.

She added: “I know many of us are facing the cost-of-living crisis but I would just really urge people not to think about vaccinations as something to cut.”