Parvovirus in Dogs | Causes,Symptoms & Treatment | 𝗠𝘆𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗽𝗮𝘄
What Pet Parents Need to Know Keeping dogs healthy is easier when you follow a preventative veterinarian -care routine that includes age-appropriate core vaccinations. One Of the most important vaccines protects against canine parvovirus.
WHAT IS CANINE PARVOVIRUS?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that can become life-threatening quickly.The most common form of the virus replicates in the small intestines. lymphatic tissue and bone-marrow. It can lead to severe gastrointestinal problems and, in rare cases, inflammation of the heart (myocarditis).
The cardiac form of canine parvovirus attacks the heart-muscles. It's most dangerous to dogs 6 weeks to 6 months. Most will go into shock and die.
AlSO READ : Where to buy dogs in Bangalore ?
AlSO READ : Where to buy dogs in Bangalore ?
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PARVO?
Symptoms can include vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea(Often bloody). fever, rapid heart-beat, lethargy and weight loss.Additional symptorns may include bloodshot eyes and drying of the inner mouth tissue. Infected dogs quickly become dehydrated and weak. If your pet exhibits symptoms, please seek immediate veterinary care.
HOW DOES PARVOVIRUS SPREAD?
Parvovirus is spread through a dog's direct contact with another infected dog or indirectly through a dog making contact with infect-
ed feces or vomit. Since dogs are notorious lickers. they can lick
contaminated paws or another infected dog and contract the disease.
Dogs can also be infected by chewing or sniffing shoes that have come into contact with infected feces or vomit.The virus can live in the
environment for at least seven months. Cleaning up a parvovi-
rus-contaminated area means all organic material (feces, vomit)
must be cleared away and disposed of safely in a covered trash bin_ The contaminated area must be washed thoroughly us-
ing a household bleach solution.
The same goes for inside the home. Wash everything your dog has come in contact with. Food and water bowls, toys, harnesses, leashes, pillows, beds and blankets can all serve as surfaces where the virus can live and should be disinfected or replaced. It's best to avoid having pup-
PREVENTION OF PARVOVIRUS
Shelters. kennels, dog park and people with unvaccinated or improperly vaccinated puppies and dogs can be particularly high-risk places for contracting and spreading parvovirus. It only takes one infected canine to set off a potential epidemic. Young puppies should be vaccinated
beginning at 6 to 8 weeks.Vaccines should be given every three weeks through 16 weeks of age.
Avoid contact and socialization with unknown dogs until at least one week after the last puppy vaccination.Some dog breeds are more
vulnerable to parvovirus. These include Rottweilers. Doberman Pinschers and pit-bulls.
An extended vaccination protocol may be recommended for these
breeds by your vet.
TREATMENT
Since the disease is a viral infection. there is no easy cure.Early and aggressive treatment from a veterinarian to address the symptoms. treat and prevent dehydration. manage protein and electrolyte levels and prevent secondary bacterial infections is key.
In a veterinary hospital setting. chances for a full recovery can be as high as 90 percent with early treatment. Survival is as low as 10 percent in untreated puppies and dogs.
Dogs will continue to be contagious for at least two weeks after
they have initially recovered, so you will need to keep them at home
