'Keep your dogs home': Vets warn of unknown CPV-like illness KILLING dogs in Michigan

According to Hicks, in an interview with Clare County Clever, eight pets within a single block in Otsego died in a span of three days. Hicks asserts that although the illness originated in Louisiana, it is now spreading throughout the nation. She also mentioned that the emerging sickness has no known treatments. The director of the Otsego County Animal Shelter Melissa FitzGerald said, "We have not spoken to this until now because we really don’t know anything. The only thing is to make sure your pets are vaccinated and, at the first sign of illness, get to the veterinarian."
 
When a neighbor's 10-month-old Labrador named Smokey began exhibiting signs, the owner had to immediately get the dog to the clinic. The dog started throwing up after losing stamina, even though he was already vaccinated for parvovirus. Although Smokey was on the verge of dying, the vet was able to save him. Infecting mainly the gastrointestinal system, parvovirus is known to be transmitted from dog to dog.

Precautions

In an interview with the New York Times, veterinarians and animal experts urged dog owners to stay current with immunizations. They also advised owners to keep their pets indoors if they appear ill before contacting a veterinarian. Michigan's state vet Dr Nora Wineland stated, "If a dog is vaccinated, they will be in a much better place and less likely to get severe disease and need supportive treatment to keep them alive."

The doctor also stressed how crucial it is to pick up after the dog. Since parvovirus is a fecal-oral virus, it can spread more readily if the owner does not pick up dog feces that might have been left outdoors.