Many Freeport pet owners are concerned over the rising number of cases of a highly contagious disease that affects dogs.

The Freeport Animal Hospital recently said they've seen a rise in the number of cases involving canine parvovirus.

Parvo, as its commonly known, is an extremely contagious disease that is spread from dog to dog through direct or indirect contact with their feces.

It attacks the animal's intestines and can be fatal for dogs who aren't vaccinated against it.

Veterinarian Dr. William Condie told mystateline.com that last month the Freeport Animal Hospital saw six to eight cases, which is really hard on dogs.

Parvo is an [virus that attack the digestive system] of dogs,” Condie said. “It wipes out the fast-growing cells of the intestines, so the dogs have severe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy. [It’s a] very devastating disease on young dogs."

According to Dr. Condie, the best way to keep your pet safe and healthy is to stay up to date with their vaccinations.

If you have a puppy or just adopted a new dog, the parvo vaccine is just one of three shots that are recommended. If you have an older dog it needs to be updated yearly.

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