Vet nurse at the Cowra Veterinary Centre, Katy Crossley said while parvovirus usually strikes during Spring and Summer, it is important that all puppies are vaccinated regardless of the season.

"We recommend puppies have three puppy vaccinations a month apart from eight weeks old," she said.

"Isolating puppies from other animals until they're fully vaccinated is also important."

Ms Crossley said parvovirus is most often seen in puppies and dogs under five, with vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy the three most common symptoms to look out for.

"If you think your dog has come down with parvo, take them to the vet straightaway because it's a fatal disease that eats away at their red blood cells," she said.

"Usually if we get them in time they'll be hospitalised for a week but if they're really sick they can go down in a couple of days regardless of what we do."

Highly contagious, parvovirus is spread through faeces, with Ms Crossley warning the virus can linger for a long time.

"It can stay in their environment for a few years so a lot of people get into trouble because they get a new puppy and bring it back into that environment," she said.

"Prevention's better than cure, be aware of where you're taking your animals where there may be other animals that aren't vaccinated like parks and dog parks."