You might have heard your vet or perhaps another dog owner use the word Parvo and you might know it makes your dog sick.
However, the more we can educate ourselves about Parvo the more likely we will be able to identify the symptoms and get the proper treatment to keep our dogs healthy and happy.
First off, what is parvo? Parvo or Canine Parvovirus type 2 is a contagious virus that mostly effects dogs. Parvo is highly contagious and if left untreated has a 91% mortality rate among dogs. The first step to getting the proper treatment for your dog is to recognize the signs of the disease.
Dogs infected with parvo begin to show symptoms within 3-7 days. It is important to recognize the symptoms as soon as possible because surviving a parvo infection can depend on the age of the dog and how quickly it was diagnosed.
The first sign of a parvo infection is lethargy. Following lethargy dogs with parvo will then exhibit a loss of appetite and then diarrhea as well as vomiting. Because of the diarrhea and vomiting the dog will become dehydrated.
Treatment for dogs infected with parvo usually involves extensive hospitalization. The dog is given fluids via IV, anti-nausea medication, anti-biotics to fight other infections that may occur in the dogs weakened state, and other medications.
Preventing a parvo infection is the best way we can protect our dogs. To help prevent and infection we need to know how the disease is spread and who is most susceptible.
Parvo is speared through direct dog to dog contact or by contact with dog feces. So, it is important to disinfect, areas where and infected dog may have been or gone the bathroom with bleach as common household cleaners and disinfectants do not kill the virus.
Puppies are more susceptible to parvo than older dogs so it is very important to make sure they are vaccinated. Also, any dog recovering from an infection should be quarantined for at least 30 days.
By staying vigilant, taking the proper steps to prevent the disease we can keep or dogs happy and safe from a parvo infection.