Parvovirus

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What is Parvovirus?

It is a highly contagious viral disease and life-threatening illness common among puppies. It rapidly attack cell in the dog’s body severely affecting the intestinal tract. This virus can even damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac troubles.

Symptoms

• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Bloody and Foul Smelling Diarrhea

How the virus can be transmitted?

The virus can be transmitted by any person, animal or objects that has direct contact with the feces of the infected dog. The virus can even live in the environment for months and may survive in objects used by the infected dog like dog bowls, dog toys, clothes and floors.

Is my dog prone to Parvovirus?

Yes, commonly puppies, adolescent dogs and dogs which do not have vaccination are prone to the virus.

How Parvovirus be prevented?

The answer is very easy, make sure your dog’s vaccine is up-to-date. The “5-in-1” is an anti parvo vaccine commonly used by most of veterinarians and breeders. It protects the puppies from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Other kind of vaccine is the “6-in-1”.

Generally, we recommend dog owners especially future owners not to forget to complete your dogs vaccine routine. It is very important for your puppies to complete this to avoid unwanted incidents. If you are going to buy a puppy from a local breeder make sure that the puppy has been vaccinated at least two times before bringing it home. Some breeders would say, “That’s not a problem, you can get it now”. I’m telling you, you are taking such a big risk.

Reference: http://www.aspca.org