Florence dog owners warned after multiple parvovirus cases, puppies die

Florence dog owners are being told to check their pets’ vaccines now after Oregon Coast Humane Society confirmed two separate canine parvovirus incidents in the area, including one tied to the sand dunes behind Fred Meyer and another that killed a mother dog and her five puppies.

The Oregon Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic treated a pregnant pit bull for parvo on May 27. After that case, the humane society learned of at least one more confirmed infection in Florence, and said it was still contact-tracing the known cases. OCHS said the pregnant dog received emergency medical care, was reunited with her owner and is expected to make a full recovery.

The humane society responded quickly on May 28 with outreach throughout Florence, where it gave free DHPP and rabies vaccines to dogs belonging to unhoused neighbors. Dr. Tamay Guevara led the effort with Valerie Swensrud and Shane Lissy, and booster vaccines were planned in three weeks for puppies and other dogs needing follow-up protection.

Elizabeth Thompson, executive director of Oregon Coast Humane Society, said parvo can survive in soil for up to a year, which makes contaminated outdoor spaces especially dangerous. The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association says the virus can persist in the environment for months to years if it is not killed with bleach or similar disinfectants. It spreads through direct contact and through contaminated water bowls, bedding, leashes and feces, so shared pet spaces can keep carrying risk long after an infected dog leaves.

The early warning signs are sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe or bloody diarrhea, fever and dehydration. Those symptoms need emergency veterinary care, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs, because parvo can turn deadly fast.

OCHS said vaccines are available through local veterinary clinics and over the counter at Mini Pet Mart on Highway 101. The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association recommends starting the DHPP series at 8 to 9 weeks of age, repeating it every 3 to 4 weeks until 14 to 16 weeks, and giving an additional dose at 18 to 20 weeks in high-risk environments.

Dog owners whose pets have been at parks, beaches, daycare or a shelter should treat the Florence warning seriously, especially if their dogs spent time near the Fred Meyer dunes area. A current vaccine can be the difference between a routine exposure and a hospital emergency.