Allexer Namundjembo
Pet owners are being urged to ensure their puppies receive their full course of vaccinations as canine parvovirus, commonly known as ‘katgriep’, continues to pose a serious threat to unvaccinated dogs in Namibia.
Veterinarian Dr. Mauricio Adelino recently issued a public awareness message highlighting the dangers of the highly contagious disease, which affects thousands of puppies worldwide each year and remains a recurring concern for veterinarians in the country.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Adelino said parvovirus can infect dogs regardless of breed, making vaccination one of the most important preventive measures available to pet owners.
“Young puppies are particularly vulnerable if they have not been vaccinated,” he said, warning that the disease can spread easily and often progresses rapidly once symptoms develop.
According to Adelino, parvovirus attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal system and immune defences, leading to severe illness.
“Common symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and weakness. In severe cases, affected dogs may develop bloody diarrhoea and require urgent veterinary treatment,” he said.
The veterinarian noted that many pet owners mistakenly believe keeping puppies indoors eliminates the risk of infection.
However, he added, the virus can be carried into homes on shoes, clothing, vehicle tyres, hands and other contaminated objects.
“Puppies do not necessarily need direct contact with infected dogs to be exposed to the virus,” he explained.
Veterinary professionals describe parvovirus as one of the most challenging diseases to treat in young dogs. While treatment is available, it often involves intensive supportive care, including intravenous fluids, medication and close monitoring.
Recovery can be lengthy and costly, and not all infected puppies survive despite receiving professional care.
For many families, the loss of a puppy can be emotionally devastating.
Veterinarians frequently encounter owners who are unaware of the severity of the disease or the importance of completing vaccination schedules.
Adelino said prevention remains the most effective strategy against parvovirus, with vaccines helping a puppy’s immune system recognise and fight the virus before it can cause severe illness.
Veterinarians generally recommend a series of vaccinations during the first months of a puppy’s life, followed by booster shots as advised by a veterinary professional.
Completing the full vaccination schedule is considered essential to achieving adequate protection.
Beyond safeguarding individual pets, vaccination also plays a broader role in reducing the spread of disease within the dog population.
“Higher vaccination rates can help limit outbreaks and protect animals that may be too young or medically unable to receive vaccines,” he said.
Adelino added that responsible pet ownership extends beyond providing food, water and shelter and includes preventive healthcare measures such as routine vaccinations and regular veterinary check-ups.
As veterinary clinics continue to report cases of parvovirus, pet owners are being encouraged to consult their veterinarians about vaccination schedules and seek immediate medical attention if their puppies show signs of illness.
The dangers of the disease are reflected not only in veterinary clinics but also in the experiences of pet owners who have lost dogs to the virus or faced costly treatment to save them.
Dog owner Jan van Wyk recalled the heartbreak of losing his young puppy to parvovirus after initially dismissing the early signs of illness.
“It started with him refusing food and sleeping more than usual,” Van Wyk told the Windhoek Observer on Monday.
“At first, we thought it was something minor, but within a day he was vomiting and became extremely weak. We rushed him to the vet, but by then he was already severely dehydrated.”
Van Wyk said the experience left a lasting impact on his family, particularly his children, who had quickly bonded with the puppy.
“Watching a healthy, playful puppy deteriorate so quickly was devastating. We spent days hoping he would recover, but unfortunately he didn’t make it. Looking back, I wish I had understood how serious parvovirus is and how important it is to complete every vaccination on time. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way, and I hope other pet owners don’t have to go through the same pain,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anne Simone said her puppy survived the disease after weeks of intensive veterinary treatment but described the experience as emotionally and financially draining.
“It was one of the most stressful experiences I’ve ever had as a pet owner,” Simone told the Windhoek Observer.
“One day he was running around the yard, and the next he could barely stand. The vomiting and diarrhoea started suddenly, and the veterinarian told us it was parvovirus.”
According to Simone, the puppy required constant care and several visits to the veterinary clinic before making a full recovery.
“There were moments when we weren’t sure he would survive,” she said.
“The treatment costs added up quickly, but the emotional toll was even harder. Seeing your pet suffer and not knowing what will happen is heartbreaking. Since then, I’ve become very vocal about vaccinations because prevention is far easier and less costly than dealing with the disease itself.”
Veterinarians continue to stress that while parvovirus remains a serious threat, timely vaccination and early medical intervention can significantly improve a puppy’s chances of survival.
