With the unusual weather about there has been a tremendous rise in Parvo virus.

This disease is known for spreading in spring and autumn and living in damp, dark areas.

Getting rid of Parvo is a hard task as you do not only have to treat your dogs but your yard as well.

Common household disinfectants like bleach will kill this disease out of your yard although if you do not kill all of the virus chances are it will spread again.

Fortunately this virus does eventually die out of your yard on its own accord.

As for your pet, diagnosing that it has Parvo is a hard task as symptoms can be hidden.

Parvo affects the immune system in a dog and symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea are prone to the Parvo virus.

Your dog could also look unwell or be losing weight.

The only prevention in making sure Parvo does not infect your home is vaccinating your dogs as soon as they are three months of age.

If everyone vaccinated their dogs Parvo would no longer exist.

You know the old saying - prevention is always better than a cure.

If your dog has survived Parvo there are nine tips to ensure that Parvo does not return:

•Throw away all cloth toys

•Bleach everything

•Wash all of your dog’s bedding in hot water with colour-safe bleach

•Keep your dog away from other dogs for at least three weeks after Parvo

•Make sure your pup has all Parvo shots/boosters and other vaccines as needed

•Ensure that your dog or puppy gets lots of water and stays hydrated

•Keep an eye on your dog’s droppings to ensure the stool is no longer diarrhoea or containing blood after Parvo

•Clean up all dog droppings and hose down the areas if possible after Parvo diagnosis and during recovery from Parvo

•As far as your home consult your vet for any further cleaning and modifications after Parvo.