Parvovirus threatens dogs in San Bernardino

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley is urging dog owners to vaccinate their pets after a spike in cases of dogs infected with parvovirus.

"We're noticing a trend in San Bernardino, especially in the 92410 zip code, where we are having an alarmingly high amount of cases," said Jill Henderson of The Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley.

More than 200 cases have been reported this year. The highly contagious illness is transmitted by nose-to-nose contact and stool from other infected dogs. It can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and death if left untreated.

Richard and Connie Corona are making sure their daughter's two dogs - Izzy and Casey - get the vaccinations they need during their annual checkup.

"We don't have any grandkids so these are our grand-dogs," Richard Corona said.

The couple lost one of their dogs to parvovirus 10 years ago.

"Unfortunately, it was just a newborn pup and they're more prone to the parvo disease at that early age. There was nothing we could have done to prevent it," Richard Corona said.

While puppies are more susceptible to the parvovirus, veterinarians warn that older dogs are also at risk.

"The number one thing that pet owners can do to limit the risk is vaccination," Henderson said.

Vivian Williams and her chihuahua Roxy live in the affected zip code.

"That parvo kills your dog right away," Williams said. "I would cry like a baby. She's like my own child."

Despite the threat of infection, Williams says she isn't too concerned. Roxy is up-to-date on her shots - protection that could mean the difference between life and death.