If you’re a pet lover like I’m, you’re more likely to be aware of the Parvovirus in dogs. It’s a disease that can immensely harm your dog’s health. Once a Dog gets Parvo, the disease can quickly damage its intestines, resulting in symptoms, for instance, diarrhoea, lethargy, and the like. Are you thinking about how dogs get Parvo? Then, this article is for you. Through this article, you’ll have comprehensive information about Parvovirus, its symptoms, and how to treat it.

Let’s get to grips with it!

What is Parvo in Dogs?

Canine Parvovirus, also known as CPV or Parvo is a life-threatening, immensely contagious intestinal disease. It’s more likely to affect young puppies and the ones that haven’t been vaccinated yet. However, the disease primarily targets young and unvaccinated dogs, immunocompromised, and adolescents, too, are at risk of getting influenced by Parvo.

Parvo is more likely to affect puppies within the first few months of their lives due to their strengths in the immune system and vaccination status. With proper vaccination, Parvo in dogs is preventable. Here are some of the breeds that are commonly and mostly susceptible to Parvovirus.

• German Shepherds
• Rottweilers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Doberman Pinschers
• American Pit Bull Terriers
• German Shepherd Dogs

How Do Dogs Get Parvo?

Puppies aged between anywhere from six weeks to six months are more susceptible to Parvo. Puppies below ages between six weeks to six months still have some of the antibodies that they brought along from their mother — as their mothers have already got the full dose of Parvo vaccination. Puppies, in general, get Parvo vaccines at around 6 to 12 weeks of their age. Unless or until they get all sorts of vaccination series, the puppies tend to be vulnerable to this very disease. So, until puppies get vaccinated against Parvo, the owner needs to take extra care of them.

As a pet owner, you should vaccinate your puppies with a dose of Canine Parvovirus Vaccine when they are between 14 and 16 weeks of age, irrespective of how many doses they have got previously. Doing so will develop an ample amount of protection in them against this disease.

Symptoms and Mode of Transmission of Parvo

Has your puppy got Parvo? Then, it’s crucial for you to know how the symptoms progress inside the body. For this, you should have a look at the signs given below. Recognition in time of these signs enhances the chances of your dog’s survival through veterinary care.

The symptoms of infection with Parvo initiate with:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Anorexia/Lack of appetite

After a few days, symptoms are likely to progress and result in the following:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Shock
• Sudden death

It takes around 5-7 days for the disease to incubate before signs of infection appear. However, the time can vary and be as short as three days to as long as fourteen days.

Where Does Parvo Come From?

Canine Parvovirus exists irrespective of the environment. It’s likely to be at the places, for instance, homes, kennels, lawns, dog parks, and the like. The disease may also come from the infected dogs that excrete the Parvo virus through vomit or ways. Because of the nature of puppies to probate things on the ground, they are more susceptible to getting the virus by various means.

“They may get the virus through licking, sniffing, and eating any stuff off the ground. Due to the crowded environment, a dog having come from a kennel, or shelter is more likely to be vulnerable to Parvo.”

Parvovirus is immensely robust outside its host, which is capable of surviving winter conditions. Furthermore, it’s resistant to commonly-used household cleaners, and can only be cleaned from the footwear and surface by a solution of diluted bleach.

How to Prevent Parvovirus In Dogs?

After an intensive exploration of Parvo, now let’s come to know how to prevent it so that your pets get a long and healthy life. Vaccination is the best and most effective way to prevent the spread of the Canine Parvovirus. A puppy, in its initial life period, gets maternal antibodies through milk from its mother, and this is what keeps them from getting infected with Parvovirus.

“However, puppies get maternal antibodies initially, it doesn’t remain forever and begins to decrease at 6-8 weeks of age. Hence, at this point of age, puppies are in need of vaccination. So, pet owners should continue vaccinating their puppies after every 3-4 weeks till they get to the age of 16 weeks. Besides, the booster dose will be given to them after one year after the vaccination.”

Another way to prevent your dogs from Parvo is to keep them from getting in touch with other dogs from outside. Since, the environment outside, for instance, lawns, dog parks, and even homes are less likely to keep disinfected continuously, a single visit of your puppy can be a cause of exposing CPV. Therefore, keeping your dogs from outside exposure is the best way to prevent them from Parvovirus.

Final Thoughts

That’s all there’s to it! That’s all about Canine Parvovirus, how dogs get Parvo along with its mode of transmission. Now, as we discussed almost all the aspects of this virus, and how to keep your dogs safe, you’re more likely to be aware of keeping your dogs safe, and untouched by this deadly virus. Since you’re aware, you can efficiently save your dogs from Parvo, in case you need any assistance, getting in touch with Safari veterinary care centers will come in handy for complete help.

The post How Do Dogs Get Parvo And What Is The Mode Of Transmission For Parvo? appeared first on Veterinarians In League City, TX | Safari Veterinary Care Center.