Parvo In Dogs

Parvo In Dogs

       Parvovirus is very contagious and can be life threatening, the virus attacks the intestinal tract along with the white blood cells. In younger animals the virus can damage the heart muscle which can cause lifelong cardiac problems or death.

       The general symptoms of the virus are severe vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, foul smelling and bloody diarrhea which can lead to dehydration.

       Parvo can be transmitted by person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces. The virus may survive on things such as shoes, carpets, and food bowls. In urban areas where there are many dogs it is very common for unvaccinated dogs to contract parvo from the streets.

      Puppies, adolescent dogs and canines that are not vaccinated are most susceptible to the virus. The canine Parvovirus can attack coyotes, wolves, foxes and most dog breeds.

      Doberman pinschers, Labrador retriever’s, German shepherds and Rottweilers are at a much higher risk. You can protect your dog from the Parvovirus by making sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. It is recommended that puppies be vaccinated with a vaccine called a 5 in one it protects puppies from parainfluenza, parvovirus, distemper, leptospirosis, and hepatitis.

     Remember there are no drugs that can kill the virus at this time, dogs infected with the disease need intensive care to help boost their immune systems, if your dog undergoes this treatment be prepared for considerable expense as the hospital stay is about 5-7 days.

     The best way to forgo this is get them vaccinated.