Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that often becomes fatal for dogs. It spreads between dogs through contact with infected dogs or contaminated items, like toys or bowls. Today, our Rabun County vets share facts about parvovirus that you need to know to help your four-legged companion stay healthy.
How Canine Parvovirus ('Parvo') Spreads
The highly contagious parvovirus can affect puppies and unvaccinated dogs of all ages. This disease spreads through traces of infected dogs' feces and triggers severe gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Asymptomatic dogs (those who have been infected but have not developed signs or symptoms of the disease), dogs experiencing symptoms, and dogs who have recently recovered from the virus can all spread parvo.
Since the disease is extremely contagious, anyone that comes into contact with an infected dog can inadvertently pass the virus along to other puppies and dogs simply via touch. For example, giving a pup a loving pat on the head may be enough to pass along this life-threatening illness.
Toys, leashes, bowls, and bedding are other common sources of contamination.
How Parvovirus Invades a Dog's Body
Parvo attacks a dog's stomach and small intestine, destroying the gut barrier by ravaging healthy cells and preventing the body from absorbing important minerals and nutrients. It can also sometimes affect the heart.
Additionally, parvovirus attacks a puppy's bone marrow, which helps support the creation of red blood cells and white blood platelets that are critical to your pup's health. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and helps the body eliminate cellular debris and fend off infection. Parvovirus also targets the tissues here.
Why Puppies Are Susceptible to Parvo
If a mother dog has been fully vaccinated against parvovirus, her puppies will inherit her antibodies. Therefore, they'll be protected against the virus for the first six weeks of their lives. However, once puppies begin to wean from their mom's milk when they are about six weeks old, their immune systems will start to weaken, leaving them vulnerable to parvo.
For this reason, vets recommend pet owners begin vaccinating their puppies against parvo when they are six weeks old. By this point, the mother dog's antibodies will no longer effectively protect her babies. It's important to keep in mind 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 become infected with parvo in the timeframe between weaning and when they are fully vaccinated.
Your puppy should receive their vaccines against parvovirus every four weeks starting when they are six to eight weeks old, with their final boosters administered between the 12 and 16-month mark. If you have recently welcomed a new pup into your home, vaccinating your puppy against parvo is the best way to safeguard your new four-legged friend's health and the health of other dogs in your household and neighborhood.
What are signs and 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.