Deadly parvovirus outbreak in south west WA

The animal welfare charity's South West Inspector, Genna Haines, said vet clinics in the area were quickly filling up with dogs and puppies sick with the virus.

"Clinics are doing their best to help dogs affected by this terrible disease, but the sad reality is that animals are dying. And it's heartbreaking because parvovirus is completely preventable with vaccination," she said.

Signs that your dog is infected with parvo include lethargy, loss of appetite, severe or repeated vomiting, and diarrhoea (commonly with blood present).

Inspector Haines said the cost of vet treatment for parvo could quickly climb into the thousands, and, even then, there was no guarantee your pet would survive.

"By not vaccinating your dog or pup, you're exposing your pet, and other much-loved dogs in the community, to the potential for terrible pain and suffering," she said.

"Outbreaks also put a huge strain on local services. Just last week, I had to travel to Vasse seeking vet care for a litter of sick puppies, as no clinics in Bunbury were able to accommodate them."

Parvovirus is highly contagious and can stay on surfaces and in environments for a long period of time-withstanding heat, cold and humidity. Dogs can contract the virus by interacting with infected dogs, or by coming into contact with contaminated faeces, surfaces or environments.

"Please - for the sake of your own pet, and the wider community - get your dog vaccinated as soon as possible," Ms Haines said.