An Adelaide mother and daughter have made a heartbreaking plea to dog owners after losing three dogs to parvovirus.
Katie Dawson's service dog for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Diesel, was just nine months old when he passed away from parvovirus on Christmas Eve.
The Mastiff X Staffy puppy hadn't yet been vaccinated against the virus.
"He was like my best mate," Dawson said.
"He just kept looking at me with his eyes and wagging at me with the tip of his tail because he didn't have the energy and I knew then there was nothing else we could do."
Parvovirus symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, lethargy, loss of appetite and blood in the stool.
Dawson's friend then bought her a German Shepherd, but at eight weeks old, he passed away from the same virus despite being vaccinated.
In a tragic twist, just two weeks later, Katie's daughter Jasmine Dawson, lost her seven-year-old dog Champion.
"He meant everything, everything," she said.
"I thought he'd be alright because he was fully vaccinated, he was an older dog."
Carriers of the virus often pass it on to other dogs in public places.
The virus multiplies in their intestine, requiring urgent treatment, which is not always successful.
Parvovirus is highly contagious and can be carried between people, vehicles, and clothing.
The virus can survive in a home or backyard for up to a year.
Vets said early prevention and vaccinations are critical.