A veterinary clinic on the west coast has issued a caution after a number of cases of parvovirus recently came to light.

West Coast Veterinary Services based out of Stephenville says at least five cases have been confirmed among dogs in the area since last week.

Parvovirus is highly contagious, does not require direct contact between animals to spread, and may be fatal if left untreated.

West Coast Veterinary Services encourages everyone to keep their pets up to date on vaccinations, as it is the best defense against serious viruses such as parvo.

It has scheduled parvovirus vaccine clinics for the next two Saturdays by appointment only.