By Phibaaijingkmen Chyne
Canine Parvovirus Disease is every new puppy and dog owner’s worst nightmare, especially in the spring and early season. In a matter of days, a perfectly healthy puppy can go from playful and active to fatally ill. Parvo in dogs is a preventable disease, however, all new puppy owners need to be aware of the risks of parvo, how to prevent it, and what to do if a puppy catches the parvovirus.
What is this disease?
Parvo is a highly contagious virus. It causes an infectious gastrointestinal (GI) illness in puppies and young dogs, and without treatment, it is potentially deadly. Part of what makes the virus so dangerous is the ease with which it is spread through the canine population. The virus spreads either by direct contact with an infected dog, or through feces, and an infected dog can begin shedding the virus four-to-five days after exposure — often before the dog starts exhibiting any clinical signs of infection. The dog will continue to shed the virus while he is sick and for up to 10 days after he has recovered. This means that accurate diagnosis and quarantine are essential for the health of your dog and of other dogs, as well.
What Dogs Are Most at Risk for Parvo?
Young dogs between six weeks and six months old, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs are most at risk for contracting parvo. Puppies are born with antibodies from their mothers. As these antibodies fade, however, it is up to owners to make sure that the puppies receive a course of parvo vaccinations. The stress of weaning and a secondary parasite or infection, along with parvo, can lead to a more severe case of parvo, which is why it is very important to talk to your veterinarian about the proper care for puppies and pregnant bitches.
What Causes Parvo in Dogs?
The canine parvovirus causes parvo in dogs, and it can be transmitted in two ways. The first is by direct contact through the nose and mouth with infected poop, which can happen when a dog sniffs or licks a surface or another dog that has been contaminated with feces. Since puppies explore their world through smell and love to mouth things, it is easy to see how a curious puppy could contract the parvovirus. The second method of transmission is through indirect contact. The virus can survive on clothing, equipment, on human skin, and in the environment. Indirect transmission occurs when a puppy comes into contact with a contaminated person, object, or environment. If you suspect that you have come into contact with feces at all, you will need to wash the affected area with household bleach, one of the few disinfectants known to kill the virus.
Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs
Every dog owner and breeder should know the symptoms of parvo in dogs. The most common symptoms are:
- Severe, bloody diarrhea (Dark-colored with a peculiar odor)
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Depression
- Dehydration
Any or all of these symptoms merit a call to your veterinarian. Even if parvo is not the cause, the symptoms could be the result of another illness that requires veterinary attention.
Parvo Treatment
If you suspect that your dog has parvo, they should be provided immediate veterinary attention. Parvo is a potentially fatal virus that requires intensive care, and the sooner your pet is diagnosed the better. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend hospitalizing your dog in an isolation ward, where he will offer supportive care and monitor your dog for secondary infections. Most puppies that survive the first 3-to-4 days will make a complete recovery, which usually takes around one week. The veterinarian will walk you through the recovery process and provide advices best suited to your puppy’s needs.
Parvo Prevention
Parvo is a preventable disease, but even vaccinated dogs are not 100% protected from the virus. Vaccines for the parvovirus are recommended for all puppies and are usually given in a series of three shots when the pup is between 6-to-8 weeks old, again at 10-to-12 weeks, and at 14-to-16 weeks. A booster shot is administered one year later and every 3 years after that. Unvaccinated puppies and incompletely vaccinated puppies should not be exposed to unvaccinated dogs or to environments where unvaccinated dogs could have introduced the parvo virus, like dog parks or boarding facilities. While it might be tempting to take your new puppy with you everywhere you go, her health depends on keeping her safe until she is fully vaccinated against this life-threatening disease.
Understanding parvo in dogs is the first step toward preventing the spread of this dangerous virus. Make sure your puppy gets vaccinated at the appropriate ages and protect your unvaccinated and partially vaccinated puppies by keeping them in a safe environment. If you suspect your puppy has parvo, call your vet immediately.
(The writer is a 3rd year BVSc student at AH College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry Selesih-Aizaw, Mizoram)
