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Heartbroken Miami Woman Loses 14-Year-Old Dog to Preventable Parvovirus
19 Aug
Summary
- Miami woman's 14-year-old dog diagnosed with deadly parvovirus
- Virus spread quickly in apartment complex, likely from other unvaccinated pets
- Veterinarian warns parvovirus is highly contagious and often fatal if untreated
On August 18, 2025, a Miami woman named Gilat Schwartz was heartbroken to learn that her 14-year-old dog, Bella, had been diagnosed with parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially deadly illness. Schwartz believes Bella contracted the virus in their apartment complex's dog area, where other pet owners were not properly cleaning up after their animals.
Parvovirus is a serious concern for veterinarians, as it can spread rapidly in areas where dogs share outdoor space. The virus is transmitted through feces and vomit, and it only takes a small amount to infect a susceptible dog. Dr. Jen Garner of Chewy Vet Care explains that the virus can survive in soil and grass, making it easy for dogs to pick up just by walking through a contaminated area.
Without treatment, parvovirus has a mortality rate of up to 90%. However, with proper medical care, the survival rate can reach 90%. Schwartz is now urging other pet owners to keep their dogs' vaccinations up to date and to be diligent about cleaning up after their pets in shared spaces. She hopes that by sharing Bella's story, she can prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.
