K9 parvo (parvovirus) is highly contagious, spreads easily and is a serious disease, potentially fatal, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Keep reading to understand more about the parvovirus and how to protect
your puppy and other dogs in your care!
K9 Parvo 101
According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, K9 parvo (CPV or Canine Parvovirus) “is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs that commonly causes acute gastrointestinal illness in puppies.” Infection can happen directly through sniffing, licking, consuming infected feces, indirectly through a contaminated object or even a person who has handled an infected dog.
The parvo disease affects the:
- Stomach.
- Small intestines.
- Bone marrow.
- Lymphoid tissues and even rarely
- The heart.
While this disease most often strikes puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age, older dogs can also be affected. The virus is not just limited to domesticated canines, but it can also infect wild canines including coyotes and wolves as well as foxes, raccoons and skunks. Thankfully, since the late 1970s, effective vaccines have protected the most vulnerable dogs including puppies and adolescent dogs.
Where is Parvo Found?
The virus can be found in any environment so it’s critical to keep your puppy at home until they are fully vaccinated.
A bit of good news, not every dog who comes across the virus will become infected, but vaccination remains the best defense instead of leaving your dog’s health to chance.
K9 Parvo: Symptoms
Once infected, there is an incubation period of 3-7 days before symptoms begin to show. Parvo symptoms include:
- Lathargy and depression.
- Loss or lack of appetite and weight loss.
- Dehydration.
- Sudden high fever.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea (possibly bloody).
Since parvo is just one of several potential culprits behind these symptoms, it’s critical to have your veterinarian run the appropriate tests to determine if your dog is infected with CPV. Early detection and diagnosis are important for a full recovery.
Are Some Breeds at Greater Risk of K9 Parvo?
Certain K9 breeds are at increased risk including:
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- English Springer Spaniels
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
Parvovirus: Treatment
Due to the intensive loss of nutrients and fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, a hospital stay is often required to support the infected dog, usually intravenously, because the infected digestive tract is unable to effectively absorb what the dog needs.
Antibiotics, medications for nausea and diarrhea and even blood transfusions may all be used in the treatment of a parvo-infected canine.
Once a dog has recovered from the CPV infection, “they will retain lifelong protective immunity against the strain of parvo that infected them.”
K9 Parvo Vaccine
The parvo vaccine is usually given as a part of a combo shot every 3-4 weeks, from the age of 6 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Until all 3 shots have been completed, puppies are still vulnerable to becoming infected with parvo.
One year later, a booster is given and then at 3-year intervals.
Does Winter Kill Parvovirus?
The simple answer is not always. These tiny viruses are hardy and capable of surviving months outside of a host, even through the winter! In fact, under the right conditions, the virus can survive as long as a year outdoors in the dirt!
So don’t let your guard down. Puppies are still at risk of contracting parvo during the winter months.
Even most household cleaning products cannot effectively eradicate the parvovirus although it can be inactivated by bleach.
K9 Parvo: Vaccinate and Isolate!
Canines infected with the parvovirus can shed limitless numbers of the virus everywhere they go (as early as 4-5 days after exposure before an owner knows they are infected!) and it’s extremely difficult to effectively disinfect all areas where the virus may be lurking including lawns, dog parks, dog businesses and even homes.
The best way to protect your puppy or even older dog from becoming infected with CPV is to properly vaccinate and completely isolate an infected dog (who can still shed the virus for up to 10 days after a clinical recovery).
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK GOLDENS AND DOODLES
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We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
All our puppies come with a health guarantee for their first 12 months of age.
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