The highly contagious parvovirus is often deadly for dogs. Today, our Dallas vets share facts about this disease, which is spread through direct contact with infected dogs or via contact with contaminated objects such as toys or bowls.
How Canine Parvovirus ('Parvo') Spreads
Puppies and unvaccinated dogs of all ages are vulnerable to parvovirus, a highly contagious disease that triggers severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The virus is spread through traces of infected dogs' feces. Asymptomatic dogs (those who have been infected but have not yet developed symptoms), as well as dogs who are displaying symptoms and those who have recently recovered from the disease, can all spread parvo.
Since the disease is highly contagious, anyone who comes into contact with an infected dog can inadvertently pass the virus on to other dogs and puppies simply through touch. For example, simply giving a dog a loving pat on the head could be enough to pass along a life-threatening illness.
Toys, leashes, bedding, and bowls are other common sources of contamination.
How Parvovirus Attacks Your Dog's Body
Parvo attacks a dog's stomach and small intestine, destroying the gut barrier by attacking healthy cells and preventing the body from absorbing minerals and nutrients. It can also sometimes affect the heart.
In puppies, parvovirus also attacks the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues, both of which play important roles in your dog's immune system.
Why Puppies are Vulnerable to Parvo
If a mother dog has been fully vaccinated against parvovirus, her puppies will inherit antibodies from her and be protected against the virus for the first six weeks of their lives. However, the puppies will start to wean when they are around six weeks old and their immune systems will start to weaken, leaving them vulnerable to the disease.
For this reason, veterinarians recommend that pet owners begin vaccinating their puppies against parvo at the six-week mark, when the mother dog's antibodies can no longer effectively protect her babies. It's important to note that puppies will not be fully protected against parvovirus (otherwise known as having immunity) until they have received all three of the series of parvovirus dog vaccines. Puppies are most likely to contract parvo in the period between weaning and full vaccination.
Your puppy should receive their vaccines against parvovirus at four-week intervals starting when they are six to eight weeks old, with their final boosters administered between the 12 and 16-month mark. If you are a pet parent, vaccinating your puppy against parvo is the best way to guard your new companion's health and the health of other dogs in your household and neighbourhood.
What are the symptoms of parvovirus in a dog?
It's critical to realize that once your puppy displays parvovirus symptoms, they're already very sick. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Depression
Treatment for Parvovirus in Puppies
Although there is no cure for parvo in puppies, your veterinarian can provide supportive treatment to manage symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Adequate hydration and nutrition are crucial for a dog to recover from parvo.
Due to their weakened immune systems, puppies with parvo often develop secondary infections. Therefore, veterinarians monitor their progress and may prescribe antibiotics to combat any bacterial infections.
If treated by a veterinarian and able to survive the first four days after symptoms appear, there is a good chance that your puppy will recover from the disease. Typically, Parvo in dogs takes about a week to recover from.
If your puppy is diagnosed with canine parvovirus, it is essential to take steps to isolate your puppy from other animals and always wash your hands thoroughly after being near your young dog.
Preventing Parvo
Avoid bringing your puppy around any dogs that may not be fully vaccinated against parvovirus. While socialization is important for young dogs, it's also crucial to ensure that the dogs with whom your puppy interacts are fully vaccinated and do not pose a health risk. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how to protect your new four-legged family member best.
Be sure to follow your vet's advice and have your puppy vaccinated against parvo, rabies, and other potentially serious conditions based on a puppy vaccination schedule for your area.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
