The parvo virus is one of the most contagious, and therefore deadly viruses that a dog can get. Vaccination is essential to protect dogs against this disease.
Parvo can cause severe life threatening diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. It can also result in leukopenia (low white blood cell count) which weakens a dog's immune system.
Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diseases. Vaccines contain tiny amounts of dead or weakened viruses and bacteria, called antigens, that train your immune system to fight disease without you getting sick.
During vaccination, your body also imitates the infection so that it can produce antibodies to fight it. Then, your immune system keeps a memory of the infection, so that it can fight it off if you encounter it again years later.
Parvovirus is one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases. It can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, and lowered white blood cell counts in young dogs.
Puppies should get vaccinated at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age to build up immunity to the virus. They should also be confined from other dogs until they have finished their final parvo vaccinations.
Antibiotics
Parvo is a highly contagious disease that can affect dogs of all ages, but puppies and young unvaccinated dogs are most at risk.
Infections occur when a dog ingests feces or other materials that have been contaminated with feces. These include food bowls, water bowls, collars and leashes and clothing of people who handle an infected dog.
The most common symptom is severe diarrhea and vomiting. This is caused by the virus attacking the lining of the intestinal tract and destroying some of the rapidly dividing cells of the intestines.
Severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and bacterial translocation through the damaged intestines can lead to septicemia (bloodstream infection). This condition is fatal if not properly treated, so early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are critical for successful outcomes.
Home Care
It’s important to keep your dog isolated and protected from germs during recovery. This means keeping them away from areas where other dogs are present and cleaning diligently with products that kill the virus.
Parvo is a highly contagious disease that affects puppies and young dogs. It can lead to death in a short amount of time, but with treatment, most dogs can survive it.
The only way to protect your dog against parvo is to vaccinate them at least once. Puppies receive their first vaccination between eight and 16 weeks of age, but it’s only effective if they have completed all three shots.
It’s also important to make sure your dog is eating well. Feed them small, bland meals on a regular basis. These can include boiled chicken, cottage cheese or rice.
Disinfection
When your dog survives parvo, disinfection is very important. This is because the virus is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with fecal matter or objects that have been touched by an infected dog.
Disinfection involves cleaning contaminated items and surfaces, such as food and water bowls, collars, leashes, kennels and your hands. This is especially critical in preventing the spread of parvo to other dogs that are visiting your home.
A diluted bleach solution mixed at one part bleach to 30 parts water is an effective disinfectant for a wide range of items. However, it is not as effective on clothing, beds or other items that can't be laundered.
