Highly-contagious illnesses such as Parvovirus in puppies can take its toll on animal shelters. 

Executive director for the Moose Jaw Humane Society Dana Haukaas says the shelter does not see a lot of cases of Parvo, but they are equipped to isolate puppies that may be infected as well as have the proper cleaning supplies and PPE for staff to wear when handling the puppies to make sure it doesn’t spread to any of the other dogs. 

“It is pretty serious. That's why it's so important to get your dogs and cats vaccinated, especially those first vaccinations. To get them off to a good start,” Haukaas said. 

Parvo is a gastrointestinal illness most prevalent in puppies and young dogs and can be deadly if it isn’t treated right away. 

Some of the warning signs include bloody diarrhea with a distinct smell, lethargy, vomiting, and weak. 

The supplies and vet bills for illnesses like Parvo do come at a cost for the humane society. 

“It is hundreds of dollars per puppy to treat parvo because it's a regimen that lasts weeks to help them get better,” Haukaas said. 

The eighth annual Paws of Pledges Radiothon is coming up on Nov. 6 to raise funds for the humane society to help with finances including those vet bills. 

Haukaas said your best defense against Parvo and other infections is to make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccines.