Parvovirus Species: dogs

No dog or puppy should ever have to suffer this terrible debilitating disease.

Get your puppies vaccinated at 6-8 weeks again at 12 weeks and then, which is just as important, followed up with their boosters. If you are buying a new puppy and it is over 8 weeks old ask for the first vaccination certificate, all vets issue one at the time of vaccination, if they don’t have one ask for the name of the vet clinic so you can get a copy.

If this isn’t possible there is a good chance that your new pup hasn’t been vaccinated. By law they should also be micro-chipped at 8 weeks so ask for the certificate with the microchip number and where to contact to change ownership details.

What is Parvovirus?

Parvovirus, or Parvo, is a virus that causes parvovirus enteritis in dogs and has been around since the 1970’s. It is a terrible disease and not one you would want to see your pet suffer.

How is it spread?

Parvo is a highly contagious virus

and is spread by oral or nasal contact with contaminated faeces, contaminated environment or contaminated objects. It is extremely resistant to the environment and can survive on clothing, shoes and floors for 5 months and longer but it can survive in gardens and back yards for years.

Who is susceptible to Parvo?

Unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated adult dogs and puppies. Any that have not completed their course of vaccinations. Dogs housed in large numbers and in close confinement like boarding kennels and animal shelters are more likely to be susceptible to infection.

How do I know if my dog has Parvo?

Loss of appetite, severe vomiting, diarrhoea (this may have blood in it) weakness, dehydration are among the signs of Parvovirus. With any of these symptoms you should get your dog to a vet quickly, there a test can be performed on your dogs’ faeces that will show either a negative or positive result.

How is Parvo treated?

Treatment of infected patients consists of intense supportive care, they are immediately quarantined and put on drips to correct dehydration and fluid losses, intravenous medication is administered to control vomiting and prevent any secondary infections, in many cases a blood transfusion is necessary. The care of any Parvo patient is intense with constant monitoring of symptoms by specific nurses. Treatment can be very expensive but without it approximately 95% of dogs with Parvovirus will die, with treatment survival can range from 65-95%.

Can parvovirus be transmitted to my family?

There is no evidence that Canine Parvovirus can be transmitted to humans. If your pet has any of the symptoms or you need some advice, please call us at Vet Cross. If your dog is unwell, avoid exposure to other dogs and areas where other dogs frequent to avoid spread of the virus. Wash your hands and change your clothes before handling other dogs. Get him to a vet. A 1 part bleach to 30 parts water solution can be used to decontaminate surfaces if contact is maintained for at least 10minutes.