As people continues to grapple with Covid-19, there's a virus that could be impacting their pets

In the past week, three dogs at Dogwatch Sanctuary in Christchurch have tested positive for canine parvovirus - with one left dead.

There's a fourth case confirmed in North New Brighton.

Sanctuary Trust operations manager Kelly Burt says dogs pick the virus up through faeces.

But she says humans can carry the virus, which is why they're taking every precaution against taking it home to their own pets.

Owners are urged to get their dogs vaccinated.