An off leash Thickewood dog park has been temporarily closed by municipal authorities after it was discovered that one of the four legged visitors was diagnosed with the highly contagious canine parvovirus. RMWB animal control supervisor Jeff Simpkins explained that municipality officials became aware of the canine parvovirus infection last Thursday, and the park was closed as a result. The dog visited the Thickewood dog park before being diagnosed with the virus so it is not yet clear whether the animal was already infected before the park visit or if the dog was infected at the park. According to Simpkins “The biggest concern, is where is the source from?. The reason we are closing the park is that we’re not 100% sure of that.” Dog owners are being warned to keep a close eye on their animals, and to limit contact with other dogs if possible.

The Thickewood dog park was closed because the canine parvovirus is highly infectious and it can be fatal to some dogs. The virus is found in the stool of the infected animals, and it is not limited to just dogs. Other mammals can also catch parvovirus. The virus may be fatal if treatment is not provided, and it affects the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. The symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of energy, and little or no appetite. Symptoms usually appear 10-14 days after the infection starts. According to Simpkins “They’ll go off food, they might salivate. Normal functions of stomach and evacuation might change. Vomiting and diarrhea is probably one of the later stages of it.”