Dog owners are being warned about an outbreak of the deadly parvovirus in Dublin.

The virus is extremely contagious and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very dangerous for older or weaker dogs.

Puppies who have not completed their full course of vaccines are most at risk.

MyVet told The Irish Mirror that it has seen several confirmed cases at its west Dublin surgeries.

The paper notes that the virus spreads through direct contact or infected faeces and dogs can remain contagious for up to eight weeks after recovery.

The virus is highly resistant and can remain in the outside environment for many months.

Beagle in the sunshine.

Symptoms include lethargy, lack of appetite, uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood.

It comes after an outbreak of the virus in the north Dublin area last year.

At the time, Pete ‘The Vet’ Wedderburn told Newstalk that the best thing dog owners can do is ensure their pets are fully vaccinated.

“There are a number of gastrointestinal viruses that go around the animal world, just like in the human world,” he said. “We do see, if you like, mini-outbreaks of these from time to time.

“What is most worrying is a virus called parvovirus, which is a far more serious gastrointestinal virus that has effects right throughout the dog’s body – and it will often kill dogs regardless of what you do.

“The other gastrointestinal viruses tend to be at least treatable and with the right approach, dogs get better – but if they pick up parvovirus then really, despite everything, many of them still die.

“So, I would just be urging people to ensure that pets are properly vaccinated against parvovirus.”

Dog owners who notice any symptoms are urged to contact their vet straight away.

Testing for the virus is immediate and treatment can begin as soon your dog is diagnosed.