Vets are urging pet owners to keep an eye out for signs of a deadly virus in their dogs.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) says that as people take their dogs out for walks - or even let them out in the back garden

Vets are urging pet owners to keep an eye out for signs of a deadly virus in their dogs.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) says that as people take their dogs out for walks - or even let them out in the back garden for play or the toilet - they could be at risk from parvovirus, commonly known as parvo.

They warn that this virus can cause "severe illness and death in dogs".

It damages the lining of the guts, resulting in severe diarrhoea and vomiting. It also attacks infection-fighting cells within the bone marrow, which weakens the immune system.

The highly contagious virus can live for many years in the environment - and there is only one way to protect them.

You need to ensure that your puppy or dog is vaccinated regularly throughout their life, reports the Mirror.

As canine parvovirus (CPV) can affect infection-fighting cells in the bone marrow, weakening the immune system, this can be particularly dangerous for unvaccinated dogs and puppies under six months old.

Their underdeveloped immune system can make it harder for them to combat the virus.

Symptoms of parvovirus in dogs

Symptoms of parvovirus usually take three to seven days to appear and include:

How your dog can get parvo

Your dog may contract parvovirus while exploring its surroundings such as at a park or even your garden. Infected dogs shed the virus in their faeces within three to four days of infection, and it remains contagious for several weeks after symptoms disappear.

Unfortunately, the virus can survive in the environment for months or even years, making it prevalent in areas dogs visit, such as parks, gardens and fields.

It can also spread through contaminated dirt, affecting shoes, homes, dog leads, collars, bowls, clothing, toys, and even human hands.

Can a dog die from parvo?

Since there is no cure, dogs with parvovirus require intensive care and prompt medication. Without treatment, the virus can be fatal.

According to PDSA, a dog's chances of surviving are significantly higher if they receive veterinary care as soon as symptoms appear.

They add: "Dogs that receive prompt intensive care whilst hospitalised in a veterinary practice are much more likely to survive but, unfortunately, due to the seriousness of parvovirus, some die even with treatment. Parvovirus is nearly always fatal without treatment. Puppies are more at risk of dying, especially those less than two weeks old."