Veterinarians in Sooke confirm at least 8 dogs have died as a result of a parvovirus outbreak.
Staff at Sooke Veterinary Hospital say they normally see one case a year, sometimes none at all. In the past month they have seen 11 dogs infected with the virus.
At Otter Point Veterinary Hospital staff says they are aware of 8 deaths.
Parvovirus can be fatal in puppies, and attacks dogs' intestinal tracts, causing vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and loss of appetite. The virus is extremely contagious, highly resistant, the virus can live in the environment for months.
Veterinarian Dr. Deborah Lambert recommends keeping your pets vaccinations up to date, and if you have not -- don't take your dogs to areas you know other dogs frequent. And keep puppies contained to your own yard as a precaution.