A deadly dog virus is spreading rapidly across Arizona, with cases up 250% compared to the same time last year, and an emergency veterinarian is warning Valley pet owners not to wait.<\/p>\n
Dallas Elliott knows the fear of parvovirus firsthand. When her rescue German Shepherd mix was just four months old, the disease nearly killed him.<\/p>\n
“Very quickly, he started vomiting and diarrhea, got really lethargic and wouldn’t come to me,” Elliott recalled. “I had him hospitalized and basically just had to hope he would pull through, and he did.”<\/p>\n
What is parvovirus and why is it so dangerous?<\/p>\n
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious illness that attacks a dog’s immune system and digestive tract. It spreads through contaminated surfaces and can survive on lawns and floors for up to two years, making it extremely difficult to contain.<\/p>\n
Dr. Victoria Schwertner at VEG ER for Pets in Phoenix<\/a> has seen the spike firsthand at the clinic’s in Phoenix and Chandler.<\/p>\n “That’s what we’ve been hearing and what we’ve been seeing in the ER,” she said. “A lot of cases come to us because the signs come on pretty quickly and they usually need emergency services.”<\/p>\n Who is most at risk?<\/p>\n Puppies are especially vulnerable. Dr. Schwertner said dogs between six weeks and six months old, particularly those without a complete vaccine series, face the greatest danger.<\/p>\n Warning signs to watch for include loss of appetite, lethargy or unusual tiredness, vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood.<\/p>\n “If you notice any of these signs, act quickly,” Dr. Schwertner urged. “There’s no antiviral treatment,” only supportive care to help a dog’s body fight through the infection.<\/p>\n Prevention is the key<\/p>\n The good news: Parvovirus is entirely preventable through vaccination.<\/p>\n “Vaccines are what are saving lives,” Dr. Schwertner said. “We see so many puppies die of parvovirus when it could’ve just been as easy as getting a vaccine.”<\/p>\n Elliott’s dog is now 13 years old; healthy, happy and fully vaccinated. Her advice to other pet owners is simple: “Don’t take them to public places until they’re fully vaccinated. And get pet insurance, it’s worth it. If not for parvo, for something else along the way.”<\/p>\n If your dog is overdue for a parvo shot, here’s a list of low-cost vaccination clinics across Arizona:<\/p>\n Phoenix Area<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) Community Vet Clinic \u2014 Open every Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering vaccines, flea\/tick\/heartworm and other wellness care. Located at 25 N. 40th St., Phoenix. Contact: 602-358-7267 or vetclinic@aawl.org.<\/p>\n \u2022 Arizona Humane Society \u2014 Vaccine appointments are available at both campuses and their Healthy Tails Mobile Vet Clinic. The $40 office visit fee is waived for vaccine-only appointments. Visit azhumane.org for locations and scheduling.<\/p>\n \u2022 SNiP Vet \u2014 Offers affordable vaccinations and microchipping in Phoenix on Wednesdays by appointment. Call 623-887-7647 or book online at snip.vet.<\/p>\n \u2022 Vetco Clinics (inside Petco) \u2014 Low-cost pet vaccinations from state-licensed veterinarians at multiple Arizona locations. Find locations and schedules at vetcoclinics.com.<\/p>\n Tucson Area<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 ABC Vaccination Clinics \u2014 Located at 10185 E. Old Vail Rd., open every other Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vaccines for $25. Call (520) 495-5721.<\/p>\n \u2022 Arizona Spay Neuter \u2014 Located at 4 W. Grant Rd., open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Vaccines run $22\u2013$26. Call (520) 624-5005.<\/p>\n \u2022 Humane Society of Southern Arizona \u2014 Located at 635 W. Roger Rd. Walk-in clinic on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. (arrive 30 minutes early \u2014 first come, first served). Vaccines cost $18 to $30. Call (520) 881-0321.<\/p>\n \u2022 Pet Care Tucson \u2014 A newer clinic at 7861 N. Oracle offering $18 vaccines; office visits start at $35. Call (520) 447-7707.<\/p>\n Prices and hours can change, so it\u2019s always a good idea to call ahead or check the clinic\u2019s website before visiting.<\/p>\n >> Download the 12News app<\/a> for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.<\/strong><\/p>\n Watch the 12News Streaming App for free<\/strong> <\/p>\n You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere, thanks to the 12News streaming app! <\/p>\n The free 12News streaming app from 12News lets users stream live events \u2014 including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”\u2014on\u00a0Roku<\/a> and\u00a0Amazon Fire TV<\/a>. <\/p>\n 12News streaming showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. <\/p>\n Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. <\/p>\n Roku:\u00a0Add the channel from the Roku store<\/a> or by searching for “12 News KPNX.” <\/p>\n