Parvo virus
Parvo virus is a highly contagious viral illness of dogs. It is the most serious infectious disease of puppies, especially those that are unvaccinated. Unprotected dogs get parvo by coming into contact with the virus – not necessarily with another dog. Every year, Parks Veterinary sees over one hundred dogs with this devastating infectious disease. Fortunately, the parvo vaccine is a simple and cost effective way to protect your dog against this virus.
Where does parvo come from?
Dogs can be exposed to the parvo virus even if they never leave their home. When a dog that has parvo poops or vomits, that infected dog’s feces and vomit is loaded with the live virus. This is called “shedding” the virus. Canine parvovirus is very hardy and can live in the environment for a long time and can be unintentionally carried into your home or yard. The virus can be on a person’s shoe, in the soil, on a car tire, on a piece of bedding, carried from run-off water or melting snow – literally any surface that leaves or enters your pet’s environment is a potential source of exposure.
Signs of Parvo
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden and often severe diarrhea
- Lack of energy/activity (lethargy)
- Abdominal pain
- Fever or low body temperature
If your puppy develops any of these symptoms please contact our office immediately. Parvo virus symptoms can become serious very quickly, especially in very small or very young puppies. Treatment is most effective when begun within 48 hours of symptoms.
Fight Parvo with Puppy Vaccinations
If a puppy’s mother has a current parvo vaccination she will transfer some of her immunity on to her puppies when they are nursing. This protection is limited and wears off as the puppy gets older. Puppies should begin getting their first parvo vaccinations between 6-8 weeks of age, and they will receive boosters every three to four weeks until they are around 16 weeks old. Adult dogs normally receive a booster vaccination each year that provides coverage against parvo and other common dog diseases. The medical team of Parks Veterinary will help tailor a specific vaccination schedule to provide your pet with the most effective protection.
Protect your puppy
Until your puppy has received the full series of puppy vaccinations, owners should use caution when exposing a new pet to an environment where dogs congregate. Visits to parks, grooming salons, doggie day care, dog parks, pet supply stores and puppy play dates might needs to be postponed for the first few weeks of your puppy’s life. Also, you might want to consider limiting visitors to your home, especially if they interact often with other dogs.
Preventing Parvo
To protect your furry friend against the threat of canine parvo virus, vaccination and good cleaning hygiene are essential. Early recognition of the signs of parvo and immediate veterinary intervention are critical to helping a pet that happens to become infected. At Parks Veterinary, it is our sincere wish that no puppy ever suffers from this terrible disease. Together, we can help your pet stay protected and canine parvo virus free.