Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that is often deadly among puppies. Today, our Redmond vets provide facts about parvovirus that you should know to ensure your puppy can go on to live a happy and healthy life.
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes extreme gastrointestinal symptoms in puppies and unvaccinated dogs of all ages. The virus is spread through traces of feces from infected dogs. Asymptomatic dogs that are infected but have not yet begun to exhibit symptoms can spread parvo just as much as dogs with symptoms.
The disease is so infectious that a person who has unknowingly been in contact with an infected dog can pass the virus on to puppies and other dogs simply through touch. Meaning that a loving pat on the head could become the start of a life-threatening illness.
Other common sources of contamination are leashes, bowls, toys, and bedding.
How Parvovirus Attacks Your Dog
Parvo is considered a disease of the stomach and small intestines and requires immediate internal care. It is here that the virus begins destroying the dog's gut barrier by attacking healthy cells and blocking the absorption of essential nutrients.
In puppies, parvo also attacks the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues which play essential roles in your dog's immune system, then the virus will often affect the heart.
Why Puppies Are Susceptible to Parvo
If the mother is fully vaccinated against parvo the puppies will inherit antibodies from the mother which will protect them against the virus for the first 6 weeks of their lives.
However, as the puppies begin to wean at about 6 weeks of age that their immune systems weaken and the young pups become susceptible to the disease.
Vets urge pet parents to begin vaccinating their puppy against parvo at 6 weeks of age when the puppy begins to wean and the antibodies from the mother are no longer available to protect the puppy.
However, it isn't until the young dog has received all 3 parvo vaccinations that it will be protected against the disease. It is during the gap between weaning and full vaccination that puppies are most likely to catch parvo.
Your puppy should receive their vaccines against Parvovirus at 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. Having your puppy vaccinated against Parvovirus is your best chance at preventing the disease.
Symptoms of Parvo
It is essential to understand that once your puppy begins showing symptoms they are already very ill. If you notice that your puppy is displaying any of the following symptoms contact your vet immediately.
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy/Depression
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Dehydration
Treatment for Parvovirus in Puppies
There is no cure for parvo in puppies at this point in time. However, your vet will offer supportive treatments to address symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Your pup must get adequate hydration and nutrition to recover from parvovirus.
Since secondary infections are common in puppies with parvo (due to their weakened immune systems), your vet will be sure to monitor your puppy's ongoing condition and may prescribe antibiotics to help combat any bacterial infections that may begin to develop.
If your four-legged friend is being treated by a veterinarian and survives the first four days after symptoms appear, there is a good chance that your puppy will recover from the disease. It typically takes about a week for dogs to recover from parvo.
If your puppy is diagnosed with canine parvovirus, carefully isolate your puppy from other animals and always wash your hands thoroughly after being near your infected dog.
Preventing Parvo
Never allow your puppy to spend time around dogs that have not been fully vaccinated against parvovirus. While socialization is essential for young dogs it is important to know that the dogs that your puppy spends time with are fully vaccinated and do not pose a health risk to your pup. Talk to your vet about how best to protect your new four-legged family member.
Be sure to follow your vet's advice and have your pup vaccinated against parvo, rabies, and other potentially serious conditions.