A Newton Abbot vet has warned dog owners to vaccinate their canines following a 'serious outbreak' of a highly infectious disease across the district.

Two dogs from the Teignmouth area have recently died after contracting canine parvovirus.

Dogs living in Luton, Ideford and Kingsteignton have also been taken to their vets with symptoms.

Tom Hill a partner and senior vet at Powderham Veterinary Group, Newton Abbot, said it was extremely contagious.

'It is a nasty disease which is preventable,' he said.

'Puppies can have a vaccine course when they are eight weeks old and again at ten weeks and have a yearly booster to protect themselves against it.

'The owners that had the dogs that died didn't have them vaccinated and have run up bills.

'If only they had been vaccinated. It's one of the most effective vaccines around and we encourage all owners to get them protected against it.'

The virus is contracted through direct contact with an infected dog or from faeces of those who have it.

Canine parvovirus causes the animal to have severe gastrointestinal distress or respiratory or cardio failure.

On average 70 per cent of dogs die. Puppies and elderly dogs are particularly vulnerable.

Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite or diarrhoea and vomiting.

Powderham Veterinary Group is taking part in National Vaccination Month in May.

'Due to this outbreak we hope to start this early,' said Mr Hill.

'During National Vaccination month dog owners can get their pets vaccinated if they have lapsed and won't have to pay the full cost.'

Eligible dogs, cats, rabbits and horses are all included in the scheme.

Dogs and cats aged above 18 months of age, that haven't been vaccinated for at least 18 months are also eligible.

Rabbits that haven't been vaccinated for nine months and are at least nine months old are also eligible.

Horses will need to be more than 12 months of age and be unvaccinated or have lapsed from their normal booster vaccination by more than three months.