What every dog owner needs to know about Parvovirus
There has been a large amount of press coverage recently about Parvovirus affecting dogs locally. In an effort to make sure you are a well informed canine owner, we would like to share the facts with you. Parvovirus is a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tracts of under-vaccinated puppies and dogs. There is a vaccine available to protect your canine friend from this dangerous virus. Puppies receive a series of vaccinations that are then boostered (updated) every 1-3 years based on exposure risk and geography.
Certain breeds of dogs do seem to be more “at risk.†These breeds include Rottweiler’s, German Shepards, German Pointers, Boxers, Labradors, and Pit Bull type dogs. However, all breeds are susceptible if not properly vaccinated.
Parvovirus is spread through feces (diarrhea) and vomit. The virus can live in the soil for many years (5-10 years) despite weather changes or yard treatments. Your pet can pick it up by nosing around in the yard, parks, or other outdoor places where infected dogs have defecated. Once the virus is picked up it can take 3-10 days for symptoms to appear. These symptoms are most commonly not wanting to eat (anorexia), lethargy (tiredness and inactivity), vomiting, and diarrhea (will become bloody) with a very strong bad odor. Parvovirus attacks the lining of the intestines and stomach making them very ill, unable to eat, and unable to digest. This infection causes severe ulcerations and breakdown of the intestinal walls if left untreated. Most pets require admission to the hospital for IV fluid therapy and medications. Parvovirus is very contagious to other under-vaccinated dogs and puppies.
Prevention is the key! Puppies should start vaccines at 6 weeks of age and receive a series of vaccines until they are 16 weeks of age. The series is necessary because puppies are born with immunity to viruses and diseases from their mom but this immunity has varying degrees to the length of time it protects. Some puppies will be protected for 6 weeks while a sibling maybe protected for 8 weeks or 10 weeks. In order to ensure protection for whenever the residual mom given immunity wears off we give the series to pick up where and when hers wears off. To protect your loved pet, we recommend not taking your puppy to the park or anywhere other dogs have been until all vaccines have been given.
Parvovirus can be a deadly disease but it is preventable and treatable if caught early. Please get your pet vaccinated today!
