Dog owners in the Fraser Valley are being reminded to vaccinate their pets after an outbreak of canine parvovirus.
Animal control officers have confirmed 16 recent cases of the deadly disease in the Chilliwack area.
The extremely contagious virus is spread through canine feces and without treatment dogs can die within three to four days.
Puppies and adolescent dogs are most at risk of infection, but the disease can be prevented with a simple vaccine.
News of the outbreak has many dog owners in the Fraser Valley flocking to veterinary clinics for the vaccination.
If your dog isn’t vaccinated against parvo, you should avoid parks and public places where the nasty virus can live on the ground for several months.
Parvo vaccinations cost about $50, a small price to pay considering treatment can cost thousands of dollars.
Officials said other Lower Mainland communities could also see a spike in the disease and are encouraging all dog owners to get their pets vaccinated.
With files from Julia Foy
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