Parvovirus is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition for dogs.
Canine parvovirus (CPV) - commonly known as "parvo" - is one of the most serious illnesses that a puppy can get.
From vomiting to dehydration, the illness can present in a number of ways making your puppy very unwell in most cases.
Common in young puppies, you should call your vet whenever your puppy is feeling under the weather.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent infection - such as vaccination- and treatments that can help an infected dog make a full recovery.
Here is everything you need to know from what the virus actually is, the symptoms to look out for and how your puppy may be treated.
What is Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and dangerous virus that mainly affects dogs.
The disease is spread through both direct and indirect contact with an infected dog's faeces, according to Canine Parvovirus.
The virus is hard to kill and can live for a longer time in the environment, meaning that it is easily transmissible.
It is also shed in large quantities by infected dogs.
There are vaccinations that can help protect puppies from the virus but treatment can often results in veterinary hospitalisation and even death if a puppy becomes infected.
Symptoms of Parvovirus
There are a number of symptoms of the virus that you should be sure to look out for.
According to the Kennel Club, these include:
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Depression
All of the above symptoms can be serious and a sign of the virus.
You should get your pup checked out immediately if you spot any of these symptoms and suspect that they have parvo.
Be sure to notify the vet staff by calling ahead before visiting as they will need to carry out appropriate quarantine procedures to prevent the infection spreading to other dogs.
Treatments, survival rates and next steps
The sooner you spot the signs of parvovirus in your puppy, the sooner you can get it treated.
Currently, there is no cure for parvovirus.
Instead, your vet will offer your puppy supportive care over the course of the illness by treating symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration to make sure your puppy continues to get adequate nutrition and recovers to full health.
The virus is serious weakens you puppy's immune system.
This means that your puppy's white blood cell count is lowered which in turn reduces their ability to fight off any secondary infections.
Antibiotics may be used to combat any bacterial infections on top of the virus with the vet likely to monitor your puppy careful in order to spot any additional complications.
Unfortunately, parvovirus can be fatal.
The survival rate for dogs treated by a veterinarian is between 68 and 92 per cent, according to the Kennel Club, with most puppies who survive the first three-to-four days making a complete recovery.
Recovery time can vary as it depends of the severity of the virus.
However, it usually takes around one week for puppies to fully recover.
After infection, your puppy will then have immunity for the rest of their life, according to Canine Parvovirus.
Your vet may advise you in terms of any further treatment as well as explaining steps you should take to keep any other dogs in your household safe.
Preventing Parvovirus
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent infection - according to Pet MD.
Puppies, as well as adult dogs, should receive their parvo vaccinations,
It is particularly important for bitches to be fully vaccinated if they are to be used for breeding as any future puppies will depend on their mother's antibodies to fight off infection during the first few weeks of their life.
To help prevent you puppy becoming infected, you should avoid contact with unvaccinated dogs until they have received their parvo vaccines.
It is important to make sure all the dogs in your household are vaccinated before you bring a new puppy into your home.
Dog parks and other places can be risky environments for unvaccinated dogs and it therefore may be best to avoid these busy areas until your puppy has had their jabs.
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