POTSDAM -- The Potsdam Humane Society is recommending protection for dogs from parvo virus.

Veterinarian Anthony Beane, in a column for NorthCountyNow.com, says the virus typically affects young dogs six months of age or younger, but dogs of any age can get it.

Beane says that symptoms include “vomiting and diarrhea that often contains blood and has a very sour smell to it.” Once a dog is sick from the parvo virus, it is usually dead within a week.

But he says it can be prevented with a series of vaccinations.

“The vaccinations are very effective and if the full series of shots are given the puppy is usually protected for a year. After that the dog will get a booster shot that will need to be repeated every three years,” Beane writes.

Dr. Beane is a professor of Veterinary Science Technology at SUNY Canton and a former Potsdam Humane Society board member.