Parvo Virus

Parvovirus

If you suspect your dog has parvo, please call your vet immediately!

Parvovirus is the most feared disease of new puppy owners and older dogs. It is a virus that is transferred through stool and then either walked through, sniffed or licked. Unfortunately, this virus can live up to six months in dirt and fecal matter. Spring is traditionally the start of parvo season. The best prevention is vaccination against the virus as a puppy and then regular boosters throughout life. Puppies are more susceptible to this virus because of their new immune systems and older dogs because they may not have had regular vaccinations.

The good news is parvo can be prevented with regular vaccinations and precautions with your puppy. Parvo vaccinations should be given to a puppy by the breeder before going to a new home at about 6 weeks, then every 3 weeks until they are about 6 months old. Boosters should be given annually or every three years.

Always keep a puppy that has not fully been vaccinated away from dog parks, pet stores, dog shows, or anywhere they might come into contact with unknown dogs or stool. This can be hard to do when you have a cute new puppy and you want to show him off.

Symptoms of parvo include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in stool, lethargy, and a distinct sickly sweet smell to diarrhea. The reason this virus is so deadly is that a dog infected quickly becomes dehydrated from the amount uncontrolled vomit and diarrhea. Immediate treatment by a vet with intravenous fluids and antibiotics is crucial to the survival of an infected dog. The quicker you can get your dog to the vet, the higher the survival rate. If you suspect your dog has parvo, please take him to the vet asap!

Below are links to website with more information on parvovirus:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/what_is_parvo.html

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=467