Parvo (Parvovirus)
For those of you who have heard about this know how serious this virus is.
For those of you who haven’t heard about this virus, here are a few things you must know.
This is an extremely contagious virus. This virus is life threatening
This virus mostly attacks the intestinal tract
This virus also attacks the white blood cells
Unfortunately in young dogs the virus tends to damage the heart muscle which can lead to a lifelong cardiac problem if your dog makes it through the virus.
SYMPTOMS
- Lethargic
- BAD vomiting
- No appetite
- Bloody Diarrhea (Can lead to Dehydration)
How Its Transferred:
- This virus can live in an environment for months and not die (like on bowls, blankets, beds, toys, shoes)
- Anyone (dog, person, object) that comes into contact with the infected dogs feces will spread the virus.
- Dogs who live in an area with many other dogs, and dogs who haven’t had their shots get Parvo very easily.
How Its Diagnosed:
- There is a test called Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbant Assay. This test takes approximately 15 minutes to do, and it tests the dogs feces for the virus.
- Additional blood work can be done too.
Who Is At Risk:
- Any dog who hasn’t had their vaccines are more at risk of picking up the virus.
Prevention:
- Make sure your dog is always up to date with their vaccinations.
- A puppies vaccine is only complete when the puppy is four months of age
- Cleaning an area that is infected with the virus can be tricky, as the virus tends to ignore most stronger cleaners – they say if you use one part bleach to 32 parts water to clean infected areas.
- All toys, bowls and bedding should be cleaned with this solution for a minimum of ten minutes – it would be better if you discard of anything you don’t NEED to keep
- You should also put your shoes in this solution if you walked through the infected area
- Areas around the garden that were affected (like grass or concrete) should also be treated. Disinfect the areas.
Treatment:
- The key is to help your dog fight the virus. There is no cure – so what you need to do is help your dogs immune system remain strong enough to fight the virus.
- The vet will prescribe medicine to help the symptoms like the vomiting and the diarrhea. The dog will also be put on antibiotics. And more often than not, they dog will be put on a fluid drip to keep them strong and hydrated.
- The stay in the hospital is roughly 7 days depending on the severity of the virus.
- Treatment isn’t always successful, and your dog has a MUCH higher chance of survival with their vaccines
Please do not try treat this at home. The minute your dog has any of these symptoms – go to the vet immediately. Even with amazing vet care this virus is often fatal.
Vaccinate your dogs! <3
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