Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and often fatal disease, with puppies and unvaccinated dogs most at risk. However, the disease is also preventable with vaccinations, regular boosters, and avoiding high-risk areas.
Read on to find out more about parvovirus, and how you can protect your dog from contracting this dangerous disease.
What is canine parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus – also known as parvo – is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, dehydration, and sadly in some cases, death. Puppies and young dogs are at a higher risk of infection due to their underdeveloped immune systems.
How can my dog contract parvovirus?
Parvovirus is very easily spread, either through direct contact with infected dogs, contaminated surfaces, or by an infected dog’s faeces. It’s a highly resilient virus that can survive in the environment for extended periods and can be transmitted on shoes, clothing and other objects. This is why high-risk areas such as dog parks, sporting fields, and other places frequented by other dogs can pose a significant threat, especially for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated dogs and puppies.
Symptoms of parvovirus
Recognising the signs of parvovirus is essential for early intervention, as the virus can progress very rapidly.
Signs that your dog may infected include:
- Lethargy
- Severe vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea (often with blood in the stools)
- Rapid weight loss
As puppies and unvaccinated dogs are particularly susceptible, contact us immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Testing and treatment
If we are concerned that your dog may have parvovirus, we will ask you to wait in the car park and perform a parvo test before entering the clinic to keep all of our patients safe. The most common diagnostic test for parvovirus is a faecal test that detects viral antigens in the stool. Blood tests can also provide us with additional information on your dog’s health, and depending on the results, further testing may be required.
If parvovirus is confirmed, treatment usually involves hospitalisation, supportive care, and intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. We may also administer medications to control vomiting and diarrhea, and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. As parvovirus is so contagious, infected dogs are typically isolated in our vet hospital to prevent the virus from spreading to other dogs.
How you can prevent your dog from getting parvovirus
Vaccinating your dog against parvovirus is the cornerstone of prevention. Puppies need a series of three vaccinations – starting at around six to eight weeks of age, and adult dogs require annual boosters to maintain immunity.
If your puppy is yet to be fully vaccinated, it’s important to keep your puppy at home and away from high-risk areas, practice good hygiene, and ensure your dog’s environment is clean and kept disinfected.
If you suspect your dog may have parvovirus or if they are exhibiting symptoms of the disease, contact us immediately. We’re open 6 days a week and will always prioritise emergencies. You can call us on 07 3801 1744. If your dog becomes ill during after hours, we recommend the Animal Emergency Service at Underwood.
