A parvovirus outbreak that has killed at least 10 dogs has prompted the Town of Inuvik to offer free vaccinations.

SA国际影视传媒淭he Town of Inuvik is currently experiencing an increase of dogs falling ill to what we suspect is the parvovirus, which affects canines,SA国际影视传媒� said TJ Moore, municipal enforcement officer.

Usually, the town sees about two to four dogs experience the illness per year, but at least 10 dogs have already succumbed to it in the past three weeks.

The town has teamed up with Arctic Paws, who purchased more than 150 vaccinations, to try to stem any future outbreaks.

SA国际影视传媒淭he most effective means of preventing this illness is providing vaccinations for dogs,SA国际影视传媒� said Moore.

The vaccination does not help dogs that are already sick, but anyone with dogs that have not been vaccinated or need a booster shot is encouraged to contact the town and schedule an appointment.

Moore said the town had already performed 30 vaccinations, which are free, with many more lined up last week.

Dogs with the parvovirus often have no symptoms for a couple of days after coming in contact with it, but then begin to show lethargy or extreme tiredness. The most serious symptoms are bloody vomit or diarrhea, as the virus erodes the dogSA国际影视传媒檚 stomach lining, which can cause infection and dehydration.

Humans and other animals are not affected by the virus, but anything an infected dog comes in contact with can pass it on to other dogs.

SA国际影视传媒淎ny person who believes that their animal is sick should immediately quarantine the animal away from all other animals and try to keep it away from any source of spreading, provide lots of hydration and water to the animal and contact a vet if they want any more information,SA国际影视传媒� said Moore.

The virus has always been in Inuvik, but an increase of unvaccinated dogs has made its spread much easier.

SA国际影视传媒淒ue to unvaccinated dogs picking up the virus and becoming sick, everywhere they come in contact with theySA国际影视传媒檙e leaving the virus behind,SA国际影视传媒� said Moore. SA国际影视传媒淲ithout being vaccinated, itSA国际影视传媒檚 very susceptible for an animal to fall ill to this virus.SA国际影视传媒�

The town believes the virus would continue to spread without preventative vaccination.

Same old dogs at large

Also on the subject of dogs, Facebook has been active lately with people concerned about loose dogs posing threats to children.

Moore said there is a normal amount of dogs at large but a few repeat offenders.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e seeing the same couple of dogs always getting loose,SA国际影视传媒� he said.