HEREFORDSHIRE dog lovers have been warned to protect their pets against two dangerous conditions.

Cases of potentially fatal parvovirus have led to calls for owners to have their dogs vaccinated. The county has also been hit by an outbreak of kennel cough.

Andrew Burdett, a partner at the Laurels Veterinary Surgery, said: “We have had three cases of pavrovirus in the last couple of months which is significantly more than we usually get.

“If a dog has it in their system they can pass it on through faeces and urine."

Bobby Vanter, a trustee of the Herefordshire branch of the RSPCA, said: “A pavrovirus puppy is coming into my care this week. They can die within 24 hours of contracting this but this one had a vaccination.”

Another Hereford vet has called for dog owners to get their pets vaccinated against kennel cough.

Victoria Darke, veterinary surgeon at Brookfield Vets, said eight dogs from the Paws for Thought display team were among the victims, though all were recovering following treatment.

She said the practice was treating kennel cough on an almost daily basis and the number of cases has increased by 60% compared to this time last year.

Ms Darke said: “The vaccine should be given at least two weeks before dogs attend kennels, classes or other sociable activities – and the number of cases we are seeing at the moment suggests that all dog owners should protect their pets immediately.”