Warwick Dog Park Reopens, Two Weeks after Parvovirus Exposure

By: Tim Studebaker

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WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – Back on September 12, the sign went up outside the Warwick city dog park: “Closed until further notice.”  A dog that had visited the park was later diagnosed with the dangerous, even deadly parvovirus, forcing the closure.

Pet owner Melanie Benson was visiting the now reopened park with her dog on Thursday.  She says, “Absolutely, they had to take the proper precautions, and we all understand that.”

Parvo is a highly contagious virus in dogs.  It spreads through direct dog to dog contact, or through shared water bowls or toys.

Warwick Animal Hospital Veterinarian Dr. Danielle Karcher says, “These animals will have a lot of vomiting and diarrhea, which can ultimately cause a lot of dehydration, and they can also develop bacterial infections that can spread throughout their entire body.”

The two week closure was intended to reduce the chance of exposure for other dogs.

Karcher says, “Sunlight does do an effective job at killing it, but if there’s virus in material that isn’t exposed to sunlight, there’s no guarantee that it will not still be out there.”

Karcher says all dogs should be vaccinated when they’re a puppy: “at around 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks.”

Vaccinations are required for any dog coming to the Warwick dog park.  Bringing an infected dog to the dog park can be compared to bringing a child with measles to a playground.

Karcher says, “Theoretically, if those other animals have been vaccinated, their immunity is good, then they won’t be affected.  But, we can’t always guarantee that.”

Now, the play has resumed.  Many of the park’s regular visitors were back at it Thursday afternoon.

Pet owner Frank Fleagle, also visiting the reopened park Thursday, says, “Couldn’t wait to get down here, because it’s such a beautiful park.”

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