A North East vet has issued a warning to dog owners after a number of cases of parvovirus have been confirmed in the area.

Seaham Vets has announced that cases of the virus have been confirmed in Easington and the Seaham area.

Parvovirus is a very contagious and life-threatening virus which affects the digestive tract and immune system of a dog.

The pet service stressed that there are multiple strains which means that all dogs may be at risk.

A spokesperson for the vet said: “If you are concerned about your dog, please call as soon as possible on 0191 5130913.

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"We would recommend contacting us as soon as symptoms are noticed. The sooner treatment is started the better.”

Symptoms of Parvovirus include:

  • loss of appetite
  • -extreme fatigue
  • -vomiting
  • -diarrhoea
  • -abdominal pain
  • -fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)