How do dogs get parvo? Parvovirus spreads through dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. Learn about signs, symptoms, and treatment options here.
What Is Canine Parvovirus Infection in Dogs?
Canine parvovirus infection is a highly contagious viral disease that affects dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. The virus is most commonly seen in puppies that are 6 weeks to 6 months old, but it can also affect adult dogs. Early signs of the disease include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. If not treated promptly, the virus can lead to dehydration and death. Treatment for canine parvovirus infection includes intensive supportive care and treatment of any secondary infections.
Prevention of the disease is through vaccination of puppies and adult dogs as well as good hygiene practices.
How Do Dogs Get Parvo?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. The virus is most commonly seen in puppies that are not yet vaccinated, but adult dogs can also be infected. Early signs of parvovirus infection include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you suspect your dog has parvovirus, contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment includes hospitalization, intensive supportive care, and administration of antibiotics and other medications.
Are There Different Types of Canine Parvovirus Infections?
There are two different types of CPV that infect dogs: CPV-1 and CPV-2. Both viruses are highly contagious and cause severe gastrointestinal illness in dogs. The symptoms of CPV infection are similar regardless of the type of virus, but CPV-2 is more virulent and deadly than CPV-1.
Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is the most common cause of parvovirus infection in dogs. It was first identified in 1978 and quickly spread around the world. In the United States, nearly every dog is vaccinated against CPV-2 as a puppy.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Canine Parvovirus Infection in Dogs?
The most common sign of CPV is bloody, severe diarrhea. Your dog may also vomit, be lethargic, and have a decreased appetite. As the disease progresses, your dog may develop a fever and dehydrate quickly. Because CPV attacks the rapidly dividing cells in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract lining, it can cause death from severe dehydration or secondary bacterial infections within days if left untreated. Antibiotics are used to treat secondary bacterial infections but they do not kill the virus itself.
Canine Parvovirus Infection Treatment & Prevention Tips
- If your dog is showing any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- If you have a puppy, make sure he or she is up to date on vaccinations.
- Keep your dog away from other dogs that may be sick.
- Avoid taking your dog to places where there may be a lot of other dogs, such as the dog park or doggy daycare.
- Pick up after your dog immediately, and dispose of waste properly.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog or cleaning up after him/her.
- If you think your dog may have been exposed to the virus, contact your veterinarian right away.
Is There a Vaccine for Canine Parvovirus Infection in Dogs?
There is a vaccine for canine parvovirus infection in dogs, which is given to puppies as part of their initial series of vaccinations. The vaccine is usually effective in preventing the disease. However, some strains of the virus have emerged that are resistant to the vaccine. For this reason, it’s important to keep your dog up-to-date on all vaccinations, including the parvovirus vaccine. If your dog does become infected with the virus, there are treatments available that can help them recover.
When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet If He Has Parvo Virus Symptoms?
If your dog is showing any signs or symptoms of parvo virus infection, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical for the best chance of recovery. Once dogs are diagnosed with canine parvovirus, their veterinarians will do their best to treat them in a way that minimizes the severity of their symptoms and improves their chances of survival. Antibiotics help prevent secondary infections from developing in the dog’s intestines.
The medication may also be used to help heal a hole (perforation) in a dog’s intestines caused by an earlier bout with canine parvovirus infection. The use of intravenous fluids helps support a sick dog’s circulatory system during an illness when he can’t eat well enough on his own to maintain his fluid levels. It may also be used to keep diarrhea at bay by adding fluids into his digestive tract that replace what has been lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
Conclusion
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can be deadly for dogs. Puppies are the most at risk for developing severe illness from the virus, but adult dogs can also be affected. The best way to protect your dog from parvovirus is to keep them up-to-date on their vaccinations. If you think your dog may have parvovirus, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical for the best outcome.