DOG owners in the Sleaford area are being urged to have their pets vaccinated against a deadly disease after a number of cases were reported in the area.

There have been several reports of parvovirus, a highly contagious disease that can kill within 72-hours, at surgeries in and around the area.

Vet Stephanie Lange-Cook, at Ruskington's Foxhall Veterinary Clinic, said: "This could potentially turn into a serious problem.

"Not only have cases of parvovirus been confirmed in and around Sleaford but the disease is spreading fast in other areas."

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "The parovirus is much like human 'flu. It's highly contagious and can spread quickly.

"If your dog shows signs of the disease, it is essential to isolate your pet and seek immediate treatment by a vet.

"But ensuring your dog is vaccinated against parvovirus is by far the best way to protect your pet.

"Unfortunately, some owners may try to cut back on costs - especially during times of financial difficulty – and find it very tempting to skip the boosters.

"But by failing to keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date, you could end up spending even more money on veterinary treatment should the dog fall ill."

The virus is most commonly picked up from a contaminated environment.

It is shed from an infected dog through its faeces and therefore is easily transferred through the nose and mouth to other dogs exercising in open, communal spaces – especially as the virus is highly resilient to the weather and can survive for many months in outdoor conditions.

The disease can also be carried on a dog's coat and on their feet, while dog-owners can unwittingly carry the disease via their shoes and clothing, passing it on to their pets and other dogs.

"Vaccination is the only proven method of protecting dogs against diseases like parvovirus," said Stephanie.

"I strongly recommend all pet owners check their dog's vaccination records to ensure their pets are fully protected and up-to-date."

Matthew Fry, of Quarrington Veterinary Surgery, said: "People may think they can economise by not having their dogs regularly vaccinated but as vaccination levels drop there is a potential for outbreaks occurring.

"The virus is very, very contagious and very difficult to treat."

He added: "Unfortunately, once a dog gets Parvovirus, it faces prolonged veterinary treatment and there can be lifelong repercussions for the animal such as severe bowel disease."

KirksVets, in Sleaford, has treated three cases of the virus and two dogs – both vaccinated pets – survived.

The third, an unvaccinated dog, died.

There are several symptoms associated with the disease.

Signs of infection in a dog can include depression and lethargy, severe vomiting, refusal of food and water, abdominal pain, and strong-smelling, bloody diarrhoea – all of which can culminate in rapid dehydration and death.

Puppies and young dogs are particularly susceptible to the disease prior to starting vaccination treatment.

For more information about the disease and how to protect your pet, contact your local vet.