A recent case of parvovirus should serve as a warning to dog owners to make sure their pets vaccinations are up to date.

The Calgary Humane Society had to close for a few days due to two animals having parvovirus.

The virus can cause severe inflammation of the intestines in dogs.

Symptoms include a lack of appetite along with severe vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody) and it prevents dogs from properly absorbing nutrients.

Krista Gavel, a Veterinarian with the Highview Animal Clinic in High River says the virus is always around.

"We haven't seen any cases around in the last few month, but it is always around everywhere," Gavel said.

The virus is passed dog-to-dog through feces.

"Anywhere a dog is in contact with another dog, coyote, fox or wolf there is a chance of contracting it."

"I think people should be worried enough to vaccinate their dogs, but if they have their dogs vaccinated they shouldn't be concerned."

She says it's extremely rare to have a vaccinated dog get parvovirus.

Puppies and dogs should not be around other canines until they are fully vaccinated.

The Calgary Humane Society reopened their doors on Monday, May 1.

Unfortunately the dogs who already had the virus had to be humanely euthanized.