Canine Parvovirus

With the number of recent Parvovirus (also known as parvo) cases we've seen, it seems prudent to alert the public to the dangers parvo poses to your dog. -While Parvovirus is possibly fatal to dogs, it can not be transmitted to humans or other animals.-

Canine Parvovirus is a life-threatening virus that is transmitted from dog to dog through fecal matter. But, even though the stool may have been picked up, the virus continues to live on in the environment for years; dogs can contract the disease simply by walking where an infected dog has previously left feces. Although any dog who is not current on their vaccinations can contract the disease, those most susceptible are puppies who have not yet received all three sets of vaccines. We can not stress enough that thorough and current vaccinations are absolutely crucial to your dog's health!

While the only way to prevent contracting Parvovirus is by thorough, full and current vaccinations, you can decrease your dog's chance of contracting the disease by avoiding all contact with any dogs who currently have the disease. Also, any puppy that has not received all three boosters should not be taken to any public places where infected dogs may have been; ie. dog parks, pet stores, puppy classes, grooming shops, etc.

If your puppy exhibits any of the following symptoms, please call your veterinarian immediately:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, often severe and bloody

Any puppies who present to West Ridge Animal Hospital with Parvovirus symptoms, will be tested on the spot, with results available within 15 minutes. If the test is positive, the puppy will (ideally) be hospitalized, given intravenous fluids, prescribed medications to alleviate the symptoms and will be very closely monitored by our staff 24 hours a day. It is not advised to try and treat Parvovirus at home because the disease requires constant nursing care, administration of IV fluids, and is very possibly fatal.

As a puppy owner, you may think that the cost for vaccinations is high, but when you factor in the great cost of treating a highly contagious disease such as Parvovirus, the cost of vaccinations is well worth it. Immunizations save puppy owners from not only possible expensive hospital bills, but the heartbreak of seeing their pet sick and in pain- and even possibly losing their beloved pet. Another factor to consider when deciding whether to vaccinate your pet is that since parvovirus remains in the environment for years, future canine companions brought to a contaminated environment are at risk for contracting parvo- meaning that if you have one puppy that gets the disease, any future puppies you bring to your home are likely to contract parvo as well.

You can find more information through the following links:
American Veterinary Medical Association
American Animal Hospital Association