If My Puppy Has Parvo Do Her Siblings Have It Too?

When you welcome a puppy into your home, your greatest wish is for her to be in strong health -- and to stay that way. A handful of common medical ailments are particularly problematic in young canines, and parvovirus is one of them. Because the disease is extremely contagious, siblings can easily transmit it to each other.

  1. Basic Details

    • Parvovirus wreaks havoc on cells that multiply quickly, such as those within the digestive system. The virus also targets white blood cells. The infection can cause a lot of serious medical problems, including damage to heart muscle and resulting heart-related difficulties. This viral infection is frequently fatal. Parvovirus was discovered in 1978, and it has appeared in canines all over the planet.

    Susceptibility

    • Dogs of all ages can experience parvovirus, although it's much more prevalent and hazardous in puppies. Parvovirus is especially abundant in puppies from 6 weeks to 6 months in age -- ones who often haven't received any inoculations against it. Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, American Staffordshire terriers and Rottweilers are particularly prone.

    Vaccinations

    • Vaccinations can defend puppies -- and dogs in general -- against parvovirus. Puppies typically get their initial shots against parvo between 6 and 8 weeks old. They then usually get boosters every 4 weeks or so until they're 4 to 5 months old. Once they're around 1 year old, they usually get another booster shot. Speak to your veterinarian regarding parvo shots for your puppy, and when exactly she needs them.

    Contagious to Siblings

    • Parvovirus is highly contagious. If one puppy has parvo, there's a strong chance that her siblings have it too. Littermates spend a lot of time in close quarters with each other, after all. If a littermate goes near the stool of a puppy who has the infection, she could get it herself. The tough virus can survive for long periods on the ground, in rugs, on chew toys and in water bowls. Normal cleaning of these items generally has no effect on it. However, thorough washing with household bleach can indeed destroy the virus. If a puppy is discovered to have parvovirus, it's crucial to immediately isolate her from littermates and any other pets.

    Signs

    • Always be attentive to any hints of malaise in your precious puppy. Some key signs of this infection are reduced appetite, fever, excessive throwing up, drastic loss of weight and exhaustion. Another symptom is watery stools with blood, which can signal dangerous dehydration.

    Veterinary Care

    • If you have any reason to think that a puppy has parvovirus, seek veterinary attention immediately. Veterinary care for parvo generally focuses on strengthening the immune system while dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms. Antibiotics and intravenous fluid therapy are both commonly used on dogs with parvovirus. All parvo situations are different. Only your veterinarian can decide exactly what treatments are appropriate for your puppy.