Dog owners need to be on the look out for various things which could make their beloved pet ill and one deadly disease to be aware of is parvovirus
It is highly contagious but hard to identify.
The virus damages cells inside the small intestines of a dog, which can affect its ability to absorb the necessary nutrients. This means that dogs, including puppies, will become very weak.
Parvo is easily passed on to dogs that aren't up to date with their vaccinations from infected dogs or their poo.
Other animals such as cats are also susceptible to catch parvo and we can even spread the disease from our hands and clothes. However, humans can't catch parvovirus.
Advice on the My Family Vets website says that the symptoms to look out for are:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Sickness
- Diarrhoea, often containing blood
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Increased heart rate
- Dehydration
Parvo can be hard to pick up on as the symptoms are similar to many other infections. If you suspect that your dog has any of these symptoms take them straight to the vets to be checked out, as parvovirus can’t be treated at home.
Your dog will have a better chance of survival the sooner you take them to the vets for help.
If your dog does have parvo it needs to be treated by a vet and stay with them until it responds to the treatment. When your dog is well enough they will be allowed to come home. My Family Vets has issued advice on how you can nurse your dog back to good health when they return home. It says you should:
- Serving them small, bland meals (such as chicken and rice)
- Having plenty of rest
- Access to fresh drinking water
- Access to an area where they can go to the toilet
- Keep them away from other dogs
It's worth knowing that even the healthiest dogs can still catch Parvo so keeping their vaccinations up to date will help protect them against this nasty disease.
If you have come into contact with the virus make sure you sterilise the area where the infected faeces is as the virus can spread fast on clothing, shoes and hands.
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