Bringing home a new puppy is exciting but comes with many responsibilities. It’s more than just buying them toys and collars, a soft bed, food and treats, grooming tools, etc. However, there’s no reason to be scared if owners did all the research, figured out the best place for them to play, or even found the best veterinarian.
Just like humans, it’s normal for dogs to get sick sometimes. But owners should be aware of a dangerous common virus that affects hundreds of dogs called canine parvovirus. If untreated immediately, it can be fatal.
What Is Canine Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus (CPV), most commonly known as “parvo,” is one of the most serious viruses to kill dogs. It was first discovered in 1967 and is resistant to humidity, cold, heat, and drying. It is hard to die, can live in the environment for a long time, and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or indirect contact with a contaminated object.
The virus primarily infects the small intestine, where it impairs absorption, destroys cells, and disrupts the gut barrier. In puppies, parvo affects the lymphopoietic tissues and bone marrow, and sometimes the heart.
Symptoms of Parvo
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Bloody diarrhea in dogs
- Persistent vomiting
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Fever or hypothermia (low body temperature)
How Do Dogs Get Parvo?
Puppies aged 6 weeks to 6 months and unvaccinated dogs are the most susceptible to parvo, while younger puppies younger than 6 weeks still retain some of their mother’s antibodies. This is if the dam completed her full series of parvo vaccinations. Parvovirus enters a dog’s body as they clean themselves or eat food off the ground or floor, with infected feces (even in small amounts).
It spreads directly from an infected dog to another dog. Once infected, a dog contaminates food, water bowls, leashes, collars, beddings, and crates. The incubation period is 3 to 7 days before the first symptoms manifest. Humans or pet owners can also get the infection through their hands, shoes, or clothing once they touch an infected dog.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Parvo
Unfortunately, there are no known drugs that can kill the virus up to this date. But available treatments can support a dog’s immune system and help their bodies become stronger to combat the disease. In almost all cases, puppies and dogs with parvo need to receive treatment from the animal hospital.
The vet will give intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and sometimes certain drugs to help control vomiting that also avoid dehydration. An infected dog with secondary infections due to a weakened immune system may be given antibiotics.
Here are other important facts to know about parvo in dogs:
- Infected puppies and dogs must be isolated from other animals.
- Vets and vet nurses should wear special clothes and shoes when treating them, which can be removed and sanitized to prevent the spread of the disease to other patients at the animal hospital or clinic.
- The average duration of hospital stay for a dog recovering from parvo is 5 to 7 days.
- Many puppies die from the virus due to weak immune systems.
- Vaccinations against parvo are less expensive than their treatment, which involves staying for several days in intensive care. Click here for more informed emergency vet services.
Choosing the Best Vet Clinic
Choosing a reliable veterinarian, such as the Animal Emergency Center in Memphis, is an important pet owner’s decision for their dog. Together, they will become long-time partners to ensure the patient’s health. Aside from the cost, license, and experience, the location of the clinic or hospital is also a crucial factor to consider. During emergencies, sick dogs are most likely to survive if attended to immediately.
Recommendations from friends, family, or co-workers are one of the best ways to find the right veterinarian. The internet is also an excellent place to look for a vet clinic within any pet owner’s community.
