UNIONDALE NEWS - Canine distemper cases have increased severely in the past couple of months in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.
"Within the last month more than 100 dogs have died due to this dreaded disease in Uniondale only," said Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) head inspector, Salomé Bruyns.
Other hotspots in the George area are Golden Valley in Blanco, Syferfontein in Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu.
"We collect distemper dogs nearly daily. We also still struggle with distemper and parvovirus in Asla Park and Kwanonqaba in Mossel Bay," she said.
Bruyns warned that if your dog is showing any of the symptoms you should contact your vet immediately. Do not take the animal into the vet reception area until you are called, as both the conditions are highly contagious.
"The only way to fight these horrible diseases is to make sure that your pet's vaccinations are up to date," Bruyns said. "Our inspectors are picking up sick animals daily, but we have put all protocols in place to prevent contamination of our kennels."
Symptoms of canine distemper
- Watery to pus-like discharge from eyes
- Fever, nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite and vomiting.
The virus is passed from dog to dog through direct contact with fresh urine, blood or saliva. Sneezing, coughing and sharing food and water bowls are all possible ways for the virus to be passed on.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms take it to the nearest vet immediately.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Karoo news'
