Dog deaths at downtown Hamilton apartment spur fears over canine parvovirus

A resident in a lower city apartment is worried after her dog contracted canine parvovirus and died — the third dog to die in the building complex in a month, according to its management.

"It's heartbreaking," Haneh Gerrard told CBC Hamilton.

She and her family are still reeling after their two-year-old rescue dog named Boone died on Thursday after catching parvovirus.

Gerrard lives in an apartment complex on Sanford Ave. N. run by Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes Inc.

Boone the dog

Her family got Boone three weeks ago and had an appointment to get the lovable, energetic mixed breed dog vaccinated in a week.

Gerrard said Boone vomited on Tuesday. The next day he was tired and throwing up water, but still going for walks outside.

Gerrard was calling veterinarians to ask about what might be going on and says she was told to keep an eye on him.

On Thursday, he seemed better, but then he took a sudden turn for the worse.

Gerrard rushed Boone to a vet, where he tested positive for parvovirus, she said.

What is canine parvovirus?

Parvovirus a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs but especially unvaccinated dogs and puppies under four months old, according to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

"The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces, environments, or people," the AVMA website states.

"The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the environment for long periods of time."

Most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours after the first symptoms, according to AVMA.

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Hamilton Public Health Services says dogs cannot pass parvovirus onto humans.

AVMA said there's no specific drug available that kills the virus, so vets try to treat it until the dog's immune system can fight it off.

"Treatment can be very expensive, and the dog may die despite aggressive treatment," the website says.

"Early recognition and aggressive treatment are very important in successful outcomes."

Gerrard said she had to put Boone down.

"If there's a parvo outbreak going around, I want to warn people," she said.

Kiwanis sending notices to tenants

Brian Sibley, Kiwanis' executive director, told CBC Hamilton Boone's death is the first one they know is connected to the virus.

He said two other dogs who lived in the apartment complex have died since last month though it's unclear if they had parvovirus.

Sibley said staff at the building will hand out notices to residents.

He said he reached out to animal control and the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for educational materials he can offer to tenants.

"It's unfortunate that people have lost their dogs, I'm not sure as a landlord what we can do other than support people and provide info to them at this time," he said.

"There's nothing preventative we can do other than education."

How to keep your dog away from canine parvovirus

According to the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA's website, owners should make sure their dogs "receive multiple doses of the canine parvovirus vaccine as recommended by your veterinarian."

AVMA also said vaccination and good hygiene are "critical components of prevention."

Puppies should receive a dose of the vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, no matter how many doses they got earlier, AVMA says.

Until getting those vaccinations, the association says pet owners should be cautious when bringing their pet to places where young puppies gather.

Pet owners should ensure adult dogs have also up-to-date vaccinations.

If your dog is sick, with symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, the association says it shouldn't be exposed to other dogs.

"Finally, do not let your puppy or adult dog to come into contact with the fecal waste of other dogs while walking or playing outdoors," AVMA says.