- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - - Canine Parvovirus -
Puppy sales skyrocket over the holidays because Christmas is a popular time for families to get puppies . If you recently added a new furry member to your family , the next step is to get the puppy scheduled for vaccines , as soon as possible . Vaccines are crucial during the first few months of a dog ’ s life . Canine parvovirus is a HIGHLY contagious and potentially fatal virus . Unvaccinated dogs of any age can contract parvovirus , but it mostly affects puppies between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 months . It is strongly recommended that all healthy dogs get the vaccine , regardless of age or lifestyle . The parvo vaccine is usually included in a combination vaccine with distemper . Puppies get their first round of vaccines ( distemper / parvo ) at around 8 weeks old . Boosters are given at 12 and 16 weeks , then annually . You should avoid taking your puppy to public places ( dog parks , pet stores , etc .) until it is fully vaccinated .
Parvovirus is spread through infected fecal matter and is easily transmitted on the hair and feet of infected dogs as well as shoes , clothes , and other objects . A dog infected with parvo will begin to show signs of illness within 2-14 days . Early symptoms are lethargy and decreased appetite that progresses to severe vomiting and extremely foul smelling and possibly bloody diarrhea . Parvovirus attacks the lining of the intestines , causing damage that allows bacteria to leak into the blood stream . When this happens , the dog will not be able to properly absorb nutrients or prevent fluid loss in the stool . This can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances . Parvovirus also attacks the bone marrow , weakening the immune system . If the dog becomes septic , the prognosis is bad .
The most common and convenient method to diagnose canine parvovirus is a fecal test that detects parvovirus antibodies . A stool sample can be sent to a lab for testing ; however , this takes longer for results . There is also a blood test for detecting antibodies . Dogs with parvovirus will need to be hospitalized for aggressive , supportive care . The most important part of treatment is IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances . Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary infections from the bacteria in the blood stream . Medications are given to help with nausea and diarrhea . In severe cases , the patient may require a plasma transfusion . If treatment for parvo is started early enough , the dog will have a better prognosis . Dogs with parvo should be kept away from other dogs during treatment and for up to 2 weeks after .
Parvovirus is very difficult to kill because it is resistant to most household disinfectants . Only chlorine bleach kills parvo . A mixture of ¾ cup bleach per gallon of water can be used to effectively disinfect food / water bowls and other contaminated objects . To decontaminate your yard , start by removing any visible feces . Although you can spray the bleach solution on your yard , it is not necessarily recommended . You could spray the yard down with just water . After a few weeks , rain and sunlight usually weaken the virus but in the right conditions , it can survive for months or years .
There are multiple strains of parvovirus , but the vaccine will protect your dog from all of them . Vaccinating your puppy is the best prevention against contagious diseases that will be costly to treat .
Pawsitively Pets -- January
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