Renton Dog Park Closed Due To Outbreak Of Canine Virus

RENTON, WA - The city of Renton is closing the Cedar River Dog Park for two weeks due to an outbreak of the potentially deadly canine parvovirus. The disease only affects dogs, and the most common for of parvo includes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. A different form of parvo can attack the heart and ca be deadly, especially in younger dogs.

The park was closed Aug. 11 and will be closed for the next two weeks as crews clean the park with diluted bleach. Here's more on the closure from the city of Renton:

A local veterinarian informed the City of Renton’s Community Services department today that a dog was found to have the Canine Parvovirus and most likely visited the city’s Cedar River dog park recently. The decision to close the dog park was made because the parvovirus spreads easily, is very hearty and can live in untreated areas for long periods of time.

Recent media reports indicate that veterinarians in King County have been warning pet owners about an alarming spike in the number of parvovirus cases in King County. The virus can shed for up to two weeks prior to the dog showing any signs of illness and can contaminate the ground, feeding dishes, collars, leashes and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.

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