Hethersett woman warns pet owners over contagious parvovirus

Rachael Styles, from Hethersett, was over the moon when she brought Mini the golden Labrador home but did not realise their time together would be so short. 

She is sharing her story to raise awareness about the devastating parvovirus which takes animal lives quickly and sometimes without warning. 

Mini fell ill despite having up-to-date vaccinations (Image: Rachael Styles)

"Getting a dog was not a snap decision," Rachael said.

"I went to see a litter of Labrador puppies when they were 10 weeks old and I fell in love with one right away. 

READ MORE: Museum leaving estate in 2025 as search for city home intensifies

"Two weeks later little Mini came home with me and I made sure I did all the right things like getting her microchipped, insured, jabbed and not taking her for walks straight away."

But even after having taken all precautions for the puppy's safety, she soon fell ill with diarrhoea and was taken to the vet. 

Rachael rushed Mini to the vet when she noticed something was wrong (Image: Rachael Styles) Rachael was told to keep her hydrated and fed with chicken and rice but by the following day, Mini's condition was rapidly getting worse. 

"I stayed awake with her overnight and finally fell asleep at 4.30am," Rachael continued.

READ MORE: Detectorist unearths tribute to one of Rome's most hapless emperors in Norfolk field

"When I woke up Mini wasn't moving much so I wrapped her up in a blanket and got her back to the vet.

"She was put on a drip but two hours later I was called in and at that point, I knew she was gone.

Mini's condition rapidly declined despite Rachael's best efforts (Image: Rachael Styles) "She was only 17 weeks old."

Mini died from canine parvovirus which is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs, particularly puppies. 

It is spread by contaminated faeces, hair, food and water bowls, as well as bedding and toys. 

The only protection against it is up-to-date vaccinations, according to the RSPCA. 

READ MORE: Baby loss awareness firmly in the spotlight during 'vital but difficult week'

"I'm now getting angry because of selfish, ignorant people who don't have their dogs vaccinated and don't clear up after them," Rachael added.

"This could have easily been avoided so I hope this warning helps save at least one other dog."

DOG-KILLING DISEASE

The symptoms of parvo include diarrhoea and vomiting, along with a lack of appetite and loss of energy, but it does not affect humans.

Data from the University of Liverpool shows cases throughout Norfolk were almost double in 2023 compared to 2016, highlighting a rise in its spread.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "Parvovirus is a highly infectious disease in which the virus attacks cells in the dog's intestines and stops them being able to absorb the vital nutrients they need. 

"Hemorrhagic diarrhoea can come on suddenly and causes vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. 

"We would encourage owners to ensure dogs are vaccinated to help avoid the heartbreak of losing a much-loved pet to this awful disease."