WHAT IS PARVO?
If you have a puppy or a dog, you have more than likely heard of the dreaded Parvovirus. Because Parvo is such a devastating disease, you should know how to protect your dog.
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can be fatal. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. As the Parvovirus infects a dog, it attacks the white blood cells. It can damage the heart muscle and cause a cardiac problem for the rest of their life.
Parvo Up Close
I recently began working part-time at a veterinarian hospital. I have seen several cases of Parvo come to our hospital for treatment. Parvo is highly contagious, so we do all we can to protect dogs in the lobby and those in our care. When someone brings their dog to us with suspected Parvo we direct them to an outside door to the Isolation room immediately. When I come home from work I disinfect (keep reading to learn how) my shoes. And never walk in the house in the shoes I wear to work. As you are probably already aware, I have three Chis and I do all I can not bring the virus home.
Can Cats Get Parvo?
Yes. The Parvovirus can infect a cat, but it is called the panleukopenia virus, not Parvo. Unvaccinated cats can get the virus from dogs, but only under very extreme circumstances.
Can Humans Get Parvo?
Parvovirus B19 causes an infection in humans only. Cat and dog parvoviruses do not infect humans. There is no vaccine available for human parvovirus B19. However, there is a vaccine available for the parvovirus that infects small mammals.
Symptoms of Parvo Virus
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your dog — especially an unvaccinated dog, get to your veterinarian immediately.
In order to minimize the spread of the virus, you should call ahead to let them know that you suspect the Parvovirus. That way they can take the necessary steps to isolate your dog from the other animals while being examined.
If it is not possible to call ahead, be sure there is someone to stay in the car with your dog while you go in and they give you directions to the isolation room. The symptoms are:
- Lethargy
- Severe vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bloody, foul-smelling diarrhea
How do dogs get Parvo?
The parvovirus is contracted through an infected dog’s feces and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with the feces of an infected dog.
It is highly resistant, and the virus can live in the environment for months and may survive on food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet floors, even grass. It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvovirus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs.
They can get it from dog parks, in rest areas along the highway, any surface where an infected dog may have defecated or vomited.
Are Some Breeds More Prone To Parvo Than Others?
Puppies, adolescent dogs, and any dog that has not been vaccinated are most susceptible to the Parvo. The canine parvovirus affects most members of the dog family (wolves, coyotes, foxes, etc.). Breeds that have a higher risk are Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, American Staffordshire terriers and German shepherds. But, again, ANY breed can contract the disease.
How To Prevent Parvo
The number one way is to make sure that your dog(s) is vaccinated. Because Parvo is so highly contagious, the Parvovirus vaccine is an absolute must for dogs and should be up-to-date throughout his or her life.
It is recommended that puppies be vaccinated at 6 to 8 weeks and a booster is given at four-week intervals until the puppy is 16 to 20 weeks old and once a year after that.
What To Do If You Or Your Dog(s) Has Been Exposed To Parvo
Because the parvovirus can live in an environment and on surfaces, for months you will want to take other precautions as well as making sure they are up-to-date with the vaccine.
If you have had an infected dog in your home or if you are around other dogs that you don’t know on a regular basis (as in my case) there are precautions that you can take to prevent your dogs from contracting the disease.
The parvovirus is resistant to most typical disinfectants. Mix a solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water in a spray bottle and thoroughly clean and disinfect food and water bowls, toys, bedding, etc. Discard any items not disinfected.
Use the solution on the soles of your shoes. Grassy areas, carpeting, and wood surfaces need to be sprayed with disinfectant as well or even resurfaced.
Treatment
There is no drug available that can kill the virus. Treatment generally consists of supportive care and aggressively controlling the symptoms.
Antibiotics and drugs that control the vomiting and intravenous fluids for dehydration are given. If your dog does contract the parvovirus, keep in mind that the cost of treatment is considerable and the average hospital stay is about 5 to 7 days.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that even with the very best veterinary care, this disease is often fatal and very expensive to treat, so always make sure that your dog has all his puppy vaccines and is vaccinated annually after that.
