Canine Parvo Disease

Dog owners need to be educated, aware and practice safe socialization when it comes to canine parvovirus. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that canine parvovirus is probably the most contagious and serious disease to affect dogs. It is spread easily through shelters, dog parks and other large gatherings of dogs.

  1. Definition

    • Canine parvovirus, also referred to as CPV-2 and parvo, is highly contagious. This serious and potentially deadly canine disease is caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies, dogs and wild canids such as foxes, wolves and coyotes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Parvo can also severely damage young and unborn puppies' heart muscles.

    Symptoms

    • Several strands of Parvo can affect dogs, but they all produce similar symptoms, including fever, loss of appetite, vomiting and severe diarrhea. An infected dog's poop can appear grayish or fluid and bloody, according to canineparvovirus.net. The AVMA warns that most deaths from parvovirus happen within 48 to 72 hours of the onset of symptoms, so owners should seek immediate veterinary assistance if their dog appears infected.

    Contamination

    • Parvo is spread through direct dog-to-dog contact and through contact with contaminated feces (stool), according to the AVMA. While people and other animals are not affected by the disease, they can serve as carriers. The virus can contaminate shoes, clothes, cages, the fur and feet of dogs, kennel surfaces, collars or leashes, and food and water bowls. Unfortunately, the virus can survive in the environment for long periods of time and is resistant to both cold and heat.

    Dogs Most at Risk

    • Every dog is susceptible to parvo, but the AVMA warns that puppies younger than 4 months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are most at risk. Make sure your pets have received their annual vaccination as scheduled before exposing them to other dogs or an area that could be contaminated.

    Treatment

    • No specific drug can kill the canine parvovirus in infected dogs, according to the AVMA. Treatment usually consists of an IV to combat dehydration and medicine to control vomiting and diarrhea. Keep infected dogs warm and give them good nursing care, the AVMA advises. Even with aggressive treatment, which is usually expensive, not every dog survives parvo.

    Prevention/Solution

    • "Vaccination and good hygiene are critical components of canine parvovirus prevention," states the AVMA website. The AVMA recommends that puppies receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they received earlier. Also, make sure your adult dog's parvovirus vaccination is current. Avoid kennels, dog parks, groomers and shows if you suspect your dog might be exposed to sick dogs or if your dogs are ill. Do not allow dogs to sniff or go near fecal waste outdoors, as it could be infected with the virus. Also, people in contact with sick animals should avoid contact with other dogs until they've washed their hands and changed their clothes.