A North Dublin councillor is warning the community to be aware of a dog virus outbreak in the area.

Clontarf Councillor Donna Cooney said local vets are seeing more of a bug that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and can be dangerous for older or weaker dogs.

On Lunchtime Live, she urged dog owners to take care while out walking and keep their pets close.

“I know that generally dogs are prone to picking up viruses anyway and it is not that unusual but anecdotally from the reports I am getting it seems to be more prevalent,” she said. “And the local vet has definitely seen cases of this virus.

“It makes dogs quite ill with vomiting and diarrhoea and if any dog is particularly weak, they can get very sick with it, end up very dehydrated and end up having to be hospitalised.

“So just err on the side of caution. You pick it up from other dogs and where other dogs have been so the advice is to keep them on a lead and not let them go near other dogs or socialise with other dogs outside the house.”

Please take care of your dogs and keep on short lead in St Annes Park and promenade and away from other dogs. Just had it confirmed from local Vet that there is a virus that is making our dogs sick.Take care pls RT @loveclontarf_ie @RahenyBusiness @FairviewDublin3 @ilovestannes pic.twitter.com/dZUVjnPpkN

— Cllr. Donna Cooney (@donna_cooney1) January 19, 2021

Cllr Cooney said there is “nothing unusual or mysterious” about the virus but noted that an increase in people walking dogs in parks could be behind the increase.

Meanwhile, Pete ‘The Vet’ Wedderburn said the main message is that dog owners must 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.”