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Pets at Home in Hartlepool has stopped filling the communal dog drinking bowls outside the store and has started offering bottled water instead, due to a rise in Parvovirus.
Canine parvovirus is a contagious and fatal virus and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their faeces.
The move follows reports of a series of increases in cases of the disease, including reports of a new strain.
The pet retail company said that the disease is “extremely serious” and it does not want to take any risks by putting out the water bowls like it usually does
Pet owners can now request a clean bowl and bottle of water from staff if their dog is thirsty .
Lynn Hewiston, deputy manager at the Hartlepool branch, said: “There is a surge of parvo in the area and information has come from a vet of a new strain of the virus.
“We are not putting water in the station at the front like we usually do. But, if customers would like a drink for their dogs they can ask and we will give them some bottled water and a clean bowl to use. Then, we will disinfect the bowls.”
