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Pool party for local dogs called off

The dog pool party scheduled for Monday at the Marietta Aquatic Center has been canceled after a confirmed case of distemper in Washington County, and eight other dogs who may have the disease.

“It was canceled due to the humane society’s appropriate and cautious approach to the situation,” said Marietta Safety-Service Director Jonathan Hupp. “Hopefully this event will happen at another time.”

The party was planned between the city and the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley as a supplies and fundraising effort for the shelter and would have allowed dogs to swim at the facility before it was drained for the season.

But the viral disease ended those plans late Thursday and the shelter’s manager Misty Casto is also asking local residents that if they find a stray dog to keep it confined outside until a kennel technician can drive out to assess the dog.

“If anybody is surrendering or finding a stray please wait and keep the dog outside,” she said. “We’re protecting the dogs we have here and not accepting any dogs that are just dropped off right now. If we can catch it before it comes in the door that dog can be sent for immediate treatment.”

Distemper in canines is a disease with no cure, though if caught early it can be managed with antibiotics, said Casto. Early this month, the Humane Society of Parkersburg closed for quarantine due to cases of distemper there.

“It’s a death sentence,” said Sgt. Kelly McGilton, the county dog warden. “Unless your dog is vaccinated they’re likely to get it and it will die.”

The disease is both airborne and spread through direct and indirect contact with infected animals.

“If your dog is not vaccinated, get it vaccinated and keep it confined for three weeks to be sure it doesn’t get exposed,” said McGilton. “We believe that the mother of a litter (in a home) was the one carrying the disease…There were eight pups given away and a few of the owners have been located and advised.”

It has not been confirmed that the mother had the disease. Distemper has been confirmed in one of the puppies and another one found is being tested. The six other puppies are being sought for testing. The dogs were given away by Tony Berry, of 2955 Wells Road, Waterford, according to McGilton.

Some of the puppies looked like a beagle/hound mix with brown coloring, noted McGilton and the humane agent Jon McIntire. Others have a longer dark coat similar to pomeranians and shih tzus.

“We were alerted after one owner took her puppy to the vet and the diagnosis was made,” said Casto. “We’re not sure how old they are yet.” For dog owners with animals not up-to-date on their vaccines, Tractor Supply Company, off of Pike Street in Marietta, is holding a vaccine clinic Saturday from 4 p.m. to 5:30. The cost is $20. “It’s a wonderful thing that they’re stepping up with this clinic on Saturday,” said Hupp.

McGilton noted the first signs of the disease are the same as for an upper respiratory infection.

“Snotty nose and eyes, jagged breathing,” she said. “I would keep your dogs away from others and inside.”

At a glance

¯ There has been a confirmed case of canine distemper in Washington County and six siblings of this dog are being sought for testing.

¯ The dog pool party scheduled for Monday at the Marietta Aquatic Center has been canceled due to the outbreak.

¯ Dog owners are encouraged to get their dogs vaccinated because once a dog catches the viral disease, there’s no cure.

¯ A pet vaccination clinic will be held at Tractor Supply Company in Marietta from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $20.

Source: Marietta City Administration, Washington County Dog Warden and the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley.

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