Puppy owners are being urged to ensure their dogs’ vaccinations are up to date after an outbreak of canine parvovirus in Manjimup.

Veterinarian Dr Samantha Wright, owner of Manjimup Veterinary Clinic and Blackwood Veterinary Centre, said she had seen more than six cases of the virus in the past three weeks.

“I’ve been working in the region for three years and I have only seen sporadic, isolated cases,” Dr Wright said.

She said it was a timely reminder for pet owners to ensure their animals were vaccinated, especially against parvovirus.

“No vaccine is 100 per cent protective but the best you can be doing is having your puppy begin a course from six weeks of age,” she said.

Dr Wright said there was no cure and once an animal had contracted the virus vets could only provide supportive therapy.

“A course of parvovirus vaccinations will cost around $78 per vaccine, and there are two or three vaccines in the course for puppies aged six to 14 weeks,” she said.

Rebecca Whittaker of Manjimup recently finished parvovirus vaccinations for her puppy and said the measure was vital.

“It’s something you have to do to give your pet the best possible chance — just like you would for your children,” she said.

“The cost is minimal compared to what could happen — and our dog, Taz, lives out at One Tree Bridge with relatively little contact with other dogs.”

Dr Wright said symptoms included vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and lethargy.

If a pet displays any symptoms, contact your vet and clean any vomit or diarrhoea with a strong bleach.