AN OUTBREAK of a deadly dog virus in the region has prompted a warning from vets.

Dog owners are being urged to ensure their pets' vaccinations are up to date after the deadly, and highly contagious, Parvovirus broke out in the Redcar area.

There have also been cases confirmed in Darlington and Bishop Auckland in recent weeks.

Clinic director and vet Katherine Claxton, from White Cross Vets in Redcar, said: "There were more cases this summer than we have seen in ten years.

"The prolonged hot weather helped spread the virus, which mainly exists within the dog poo of infected dogs and is normally washed away into the earth when it rains, causing no harm.

"Without rain, the virus remains on the ground and is more likely to infect other dogs, especially because it can survive outside the body for many months."

Even with wetter weather recently, there have been several cases confirmed.

Ms Claxton said: "We want to warn dog owners to be vigilant for the symptoms as it can take up to a fortnight for dogs to display them after being exposed to the virus.

"All dog owners in the area therefore need to be aware of this outbreak, which is one of the most contagious and dangerous disease that dogs face, and can often kill within a few days."

She said the deadly disease attacks the intestine and white blood cells, and when young dogs are affected it can damage the heart muscles and cause lifelong cardiac problems."

Symptoms include diarrhoea, severe vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss, dehydration, bloody faeces, a high temperature and lethargy.

Dog owners can avoid the disease by keeping up to date to vaccinations.

Most of the cases seen locally are young dogs who have fallen behind with injections or puppies not fully vaccinated although it can happen in older dogs whose injections are not up to date.