What is Parvovirus?
Parvovirus is a very common disease for dogs of all ages, but this hits puppies aged 14-20 weeks in most cases and they are more susceptible to it. It is a contagious illness which attacks the gastrointestinal tract lining. The virus progression is rapid which has been first defined in the early 1970s. This killer virus is transmitted through an oral contact with feces that are infected or even with their feet, hair, food, or their crates that came in contact with the virus.
Signs and Symptoms
- Diarrhea with blood on feces
- Continuous vomiting
- Loss of appetite (most dogs do not even drink or want to take in fluids)
- Extremely upset and growling stomach
- Lame movements
- Lethargy
The bloodstream will be infected and the virus would begin to attack the lymphatic cells, bone marrow, and the intestines, which can be severe in most cases.
Causes
Two of the major dangers of this parvovirus among dogs are dehydration and malnutrition aside from them not completing highly essential vaccine shots. Direct contact with contaminated things and environment is the chief cause of parvovirus.
Treatment and Prevention
The very solution to prevent this killer virus is to have your dogs vaccinated with an anti-parvovirus shot and make sure that they have a strong immune system by giving them the right amount of nutrition that they need, enough exercise, and that you don’t just let them sniff everything. Pet parents need to be dedicated enough to take care of their dogs.
If you noticed that your dog started to lose its appetite and began to act not in its same manner as before, then you have to immediately bring your pet to your trusted veterinary hospital for diagnosis. If parvovirus is positive after a stool test, you can either confine your dog at the clinic for prompt medication or you may opt to do it by yourself at home provided you have all the necessary medicines to kill the virus inside his body. It which case, your dog would not feel alone in the clinic while fighting for its life. That is the advantage of doing a home medication, but requires focus.
When you do it by yourself upon getting all the necessary medicines from the vet, you are not allowed to leave even an hour without your pet having some fluids. It is hydration that matters a lot while they are suffering from the raging attack of the virus. Continue to project a positive energy inside the house because they can still feel it.
Make sure to clean everything inside the house, especially the corners where your dogs eat, poop and play. As much as possible, we recommend bleaching of the entire house to get rid of the virus. It can stay for 1-2 years, but if you would keep strong hygienic practices inside the house with your dog, then you can prevent the disease from coming back.
Dunloggin Veterinary Hospital offers an emergency pet care at any time of the day. Seek our professional help in times of needs. We are always available for you and your lovely pets.