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A DISTRAUGHT dog lover is urging other pet owners not to scrimp on vaccinations after her daughters beloved Chihuahua died from a killer disease.

Patricia McAlpine said she felt terrible for not getting little Tyra, inset, vaccinated against parvovirus after her death ruined Christmas for the Eaglescliffe family.

The family has four puppies from Tyra which may now have the virus, but are too young to be vaccinated.

Canine parvovirus type 2 is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their faeces.

Vaccines can prevent the infection, but mortality can reach 91% in untreated cases.

When Patricia bought Tyra as a present for her 10-year-old daughter Ashton, she took the decision not to have the dog vaccinated.

I thought shed get all the exercise she needed in the garden, so didnt think she was at risk, she said. But apparently it can be carried into the house on shoes.

Once the Chihuahua contracted the virus her condition deteriorated rapidly, said Patricia.

On Christmas Eve she went from being as bright as a button to being put to sleep within 24 hours. Thats how quick it was. It was horrendous.

She just started vomiting and foaming at the mouth. I thought she had rabies.

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Eaglescliffe dog lover's warning after beloved Chihuahua dies from parvovirus