Causing vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and death, the virus spreads through contact with contaminated faeces, objects, or a contaminated environment.   

Local vets believe the recent spike is likely to increase over the summer and have urged pet owners to vaccinate their pets and seek veterinary attention if your dog becomes unwell.

“With treatment, we are able to save most dogs however unfortunately there is no guarantee all cases survive even with treatment,” Doctor Amelia Bunker from Griffith Animal Hospital said.

Brooke Saddler and her family know first hand how painful parvovirus can be after their puppy Jagger contracted the deadly virus last year.

Fortunately Jagger survived and after 11 days of extensive treatment he was able to go home.

“It was a heartbreaking experience and it was really hard on my son, we were unable to see Jagger and we didn't know if he would ever come home,” Mrs Saddler said.

Jagger had not stepped outside the backyard when he was infected and likely contacted the virus after someone came in contact with it and passed it on, promoting Mrs Saddler to be more cautious about where her and her family walks.

After the ordeal Mrs Saddler advises locals to be careful where they walk and avoid taking their four-legged friends to the park until they have had their vaccinations.

“Be aware of where you walk even if you are not with your puppy, don’t take them to parks until they are older and always be cautious where you take them because it can be anywhere,” she said.

The virus can survive and be spread on clothing, shoes and the floor for five months or longer and can live in the environment for up to a year.