A devastated Swanbourne family has increased the reward for the return of their 11-week-old spoodle Teddy to $20,00

Dog owner Glenn Murray says the family is heartbroken at the loss, but are still hoping Teddy will come home.

“We just want him back. We are worried about the high risk of parvo and other viruses circling after missing his last shot,” Dr Murray said.

“He is a member of our family and we will do anything if it means bringing him home again.”

Veterinary Surgeon Danielle Richardson says puppy theft is becoming increasingly common.

“Puppies cost a lot these days, sometimes up to six grand, so many are stealing them straight from people’s back yards to then sell on Gumtree for instant cash,” Dr Richardson said.

Dr Richardson says she is also seeing a rise in owners offering high rewards for their missing dog.

“People consider dogs as a part of their family, so when owners have the financial means, offering large rewards for their return is common,” Dr Richardson said.

Claremont Veterinary Hospital senior veterinarian Libby Beresford said the Parvovirus infection was a very serious illness in puppies, particularly for those younger than 16 weeks.

“The virus is passed on through the faeces of canines and lives in most areas which are visited by dogs,” Dr Beresford said.

“Unfortunately puppies who are not vaccinated against this disease have an extreme risk of catching Parvo, which can be severely painful for the pup and eventually lead to them dying”.

Dr Beresford says she hopes someone returns Teddy soon so he can get the medical attention he needs.

Dr Murray says he is treating the disappearance of Teddy as if one of his own children had been taken. He asked anyone with information to contact their local vet.