What is canine Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus is a type of virus that attacks the intestinal tract of dogs. This virus is a serious and deadly to threat to both adult dogs and puppies. The virus itself is very hardy and can survive searing heat and sub zero temperatures for long periods of time. Parvovirus can live in the ground for months after any evidence of the bowel movement that was carrying it is long gone.
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How do dogs get parvovirus?
The most common route of exposure to this virus is contact with an infected dog's feces (bowel movements). Surfaces that had infected feces on them (but the feces have since been removed) can still harbor the virus. It is also possible for the virus to be transmitted on people's shoes or clothes to their pets. A poorly vaccinated or unvaccinated puppy or dog that ingests the virus likely will become infected and may develop signs of disease. Ingestion occurs when a dog licks or eats anything containing the virus.
What kind of pet is most susceptible to parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus affects dogs- not people, and it rarely affects cats. A dog of either sex and any breed or age can become infected with parvovirus. Certain breeds (such as rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, and pit bulls) are more susceptible to the virus than other breeds.
The virus is spread easily, so unvaccinated puppies or dogs that are exposed more frequently to other dogs' feces are at higher risk. This type of exposure would occur in parks, kennels, animal shelters, pet shops and other areas where many dogs walk or live together.
Puppies are at particular risk of severe illness or death because their immune systems are not capable of handling the effects of the disease. Generally, puppies younger than five months of age are the most severely affected and the most difficult to treat. Parvovirus infection is seen more frequently in puppies with unvaccinated mothers and in puppies from unclean environments that have been contaminated with the virus. Be sure your puppy comes from a reputable source.
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What are the physical signs of parvovirus infection?
Physical signs of canine parvovirus generally appear five to seven days after ingestion of the virus, with vomiting and diarrhea being the most common. Other physical signs related to abnormalities of the heart, liver, and nervous system may also be apparent (see list below).
If you notice any signs suggestive of parvovirus infection in your puppy or dog, call us at the animal hospital immediately. If caught early emergency situations can be avoided and recovery becomes more likely. We have tremendous overall success with treatment of this disease. We will examine your pet and may perform clinical tests to determine the cause of these signs of gastrointestinal disease:
*Vomiting
*Severe Diarrhea, often with blood
*Loss of appetite
*High fever (body temperature of 104 to 106 degrees F)
*or Low body temperature
How is parvovirus infection treated?
No treatment exists to kill parvovirus in dogs. However, supportive treatment is available to control the physical signs and complications of the disease. Treatment often includes intravenous administration of fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Treatment may also include antibiotics to control secondary infections and will likely give him medication to control vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies with parvovirus infection are routinely hospitalized, in isolation from other animals, until they recover.
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How can I keep my dog from getting parvovirus?
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Most veterinarians recommend a series of parvovirus vaccinations for the growing puppy in order to establish protective immunity that can reduce the risk of disease. Once you puppy or dog has been vaccinated, booster vaccinations can help maintain his immunity. It is vitally important to vaccinate you puppy or dog against this disease!
Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe:
*Be sure that all of your puppies and dogs are vaccinated properly against the disease.
*Don't skip or delay any of your puppy's vaccinations in the initial immunization series.
*Ask your veterinarian to remind you when your dog needs booster vaccinations.
*Minimize contact with other puppies or dogs and limit visits to places frequented by other dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, avoid visits to high-risk areas, such as parks and pet shops. (Note: Minimizing contact with other puppies or dogs is important, but puppies need contact with other puppies and dogs for socialization. Talk to one of our veterinarians to determine the risks and benefits of contact with other dogs.)
* If one of your puppies or dogs has parvovirus, keep him physically separated from the others.
* If you suspect you have walked through areas where feces of unvaccinated dogs were present (even if the feces were removed promptly), wipe off the soles of your shoes with a solution of one part bleach, 9 parts water.
* If a visiting puppy or dog that has or may have parvovirus has an "accident" in your home, promptly remove any fecal material and disinfect the area with the same solution as a precaution. (Note: This bleach solution will remove color from fabrics and carpeting.)
*Use the 1:9 bleach and water solution as part of a general cleaning process for areas of you house frequented by unvaccinated puppies or dogs.
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