How Canine Parvovirus ('Parvo') Spreads
Parvovirus can afflict puppies and unvaccinated dogs of all ages. This highly contagious disease spreads through traces of infected dogs' feces and triggers severe gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Asymptomatic dogs (those who have become infected but have not yet developed symptoms), dogs displaying symptoms, and dogs who have recently recovered from the virus can all spread parvo.
Since the disease is highly contagious, any person that comes into contact with an infected dog can inadvertently pass the virus along to other puppies and dogs simply through touch. For example, lovingly patting a dog on the head may be enough to pass on this life-threatening illness.
Leashes, toys, bedding, and bowls are other common sources of contamination.
How Parvovirus Attacks Your Dog's Body
Parvo invades a dog's stomach and small intestine, destroying the gut barrier by attacking healthy cells and keeping the body from absorbing vital nutrients and minerals. It can also sometimes affect the heart.
Additionally, parvovirus attacks puppies' bone marrow, which plays an important role in the creation of red blood cells and white blood platelets, which are critical to your pup's health. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and helps the body remove cellular debris and fight off infection. Parvovirus also targets the tissues here.
Why Puppies Are Vulnerable to Parvo
If a mother dog has been fully vaccinated against parvovirus, her puppies will inherit antibodies from her. Therefore, they'll be protected against the virus for the first six weeks of their lives. However, once puppies start to wean from their mother's milk when they are around six weeks old, their immune systems will begin to weaken, leaving them vulnerable to parvo.
For this reason, vets recommend pet owners start vaccinating their puppies against parvo when they are six weeks old, when the mother dog's antibodies can no longer effectively protect her babies. It's important to note that puppies will not be fully protected against parvovirus (otherwise known as having immunity) until they have received all three of the series of parvovirus dog vaccines. Puppies are most likely to contract parvo in the timeframe between weaning and when they are fully vaccinated.
Your puppy should receive their vaccines against parvovirus every four weeks starting when they are six to eight weeks old, with their final boosters administered between the 12 and 16-month mark. If you have recently welcomed a new pup into your home, vaccinating your puppy against parvo is the best way to safeguard your new four-legged friend's health and the health of other dogs in your household and neighborhood.
What are the symptoms of parvovirus in a dog?
It's critical to realize that once your puppy displays parvovirus symptoms, they're already very sick. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Depression
Treatment for Parvovirus in Puppies
Although there is no cure for parvo in puppies, your veterinarian can provide supportive treatment to manage symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Adequate hydration and nutrition are crucial for a dog to recover from parvo.
Due to their weakened immune systems, puppies with parvo often develop secondary infections. Therefore, veterinarians monitor their progress and may prescribe antibiotics to combat any bacterial infections.
If treated by a veterinarian and able to survive the first four days after symptoms appear, there is a good chance that your puppy will recover from the disease. Typically, Parvo in dogs takes about a week to recover from.
If your puppy is diagnosed with canine parvovirus, it is essential to take steps to isolate your puppy from other animals and always wash your hands thoroughly after being near your young dog.
Preventing Parvo
Avoid bringing your puppy around any dogs that may not be fully vaccinated against parvovirus. While socialization is important for young dogs, it's also crucial to ensure that the dogs with whom your puppy interacts are fully vaccinated and do not pose a health risk. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how to protect your new four-legged family member best.
Be sure to follow your vet's advice and have your puppy vaccinated against parvo, rabies, and other potentially serious conditions based on a puppy vaccination schedule for your area.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.