NINE cases of canine parvovirus have been confirmed in an area of Rhyl, a vets has said.
AllPets Vets, a veterinary surgery based in Prestatyn, reported on August 27 that it was aware of at least nine active cases following an outbreak in the Brickfield Pond area of Rhyl.
Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their faeces.
Vaccines can prevent this infection, but mortality can reach 91 per cent in untreated cases. Treatment often involves veterinary hospitalisation.
It's especially dangerous to unvaccinated puppies between six weeks and six-months-old, although older dogs can get it too, especially if they've got other health issues like cancer.
In a notice on social media, AllPets Vets said: "There appears to be an outbreak of parvovirus in the Brickfield Pond area of Rhyl.
"We are aware of nine cases currently.
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"Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
"If you are worried that your dog may have parvovirus, it is important to contact your vet as soon as possible."
The signs to look out for:
Symptoms of parvo virus in dogs are primarily gastrointestinal, including severe, often bloody and foul-smelling diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Affected dogs can rapidly become dehydrated and weak, developing fever and weight loss.
Other signs can include depression, abdominal pain, pale gums, and, in severe cases, collapse or sudden death.
The Pet Health Club website states: "Parvovirus was first identified in the late 1970s and has spread around the world, affecting millions of dogs.
"If the disease is caught early, and your dog is treated straight away, there's a good chance — up to 90 per cent — they'll pull through. But if treatment is delayed, the odds of survival diminish significantly. In fact, without treatment, many dogs will die from this virus."
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