Animal control officials in Santa Barbara County say there’s been an outbreak of a virus which can make dogs seriously ill, or even kill them.
There have been 10 confirmed cases of parvovirus in Northern Santa Barbara County.
It’s a virus which attacks the lining of the digestive system of dogs, and the result is they can’t absorb the nutrients they need to live. Symptoms include lethargy, depression, a loss of appetite, and a fever. It can be prevented with a vaccination, and is treatable.
The virus is spread from dog to dog by exposure to contaminated feces, but it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water dishes, pet toys, and even contaminated pet bedding.