Dog Parvo – Deadliest Viral Disease of Dogs

Canine parvo virus is probably the most common viral disease of dogs at this time. The virus is extremely small (the Latin word for small is “parvo”): just a few grams of feces can contain millions of virus particles. Canine parvovirus has been known and identifiable since the late 1970s and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the vomit or diarrhea of ​​an infected dog.

Canine parvovirus (CPV), also known as “dog parvo,” attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells and, in some rare cases, the heart muscle. The common form of dog parvo has a predilection for rapidly dividing cells (similar to cancer) such as cells of the intestinal lining and this is why it causes diarrhea and ulcerative enteritis. When the virus lashes out and attacks these types of cells, it makes dogs and puppies unable to assimilate or absorb nutrients or fluids.

Dog parvovirus symptoms can take 7-10 days before they become visible. In the early stages, the symptoms the dog owner is likely to notice are lack of energy and loss of appetite. As a result, dogs infected with the parvo virus will soon show clear symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition. As the virus spreads, symptoms of canine parboum are characterized by high fever, severe diarrhea, often bloody, vomiting, lethargy, and severe dehydration. If your dog, but especially your new pup, begins to exhibit any of these symptoms, see a vet immediately. Because while canine parvovirus can also infect adult dogs, it is more often found in young puppies due to their low immune systems. Parvovirus requires quick action to help an infected dog survive, because when it comes to parvo, every hour counts.

The severity of the disease depends on the age of the dog, the presence of maternal antibodies, the size of the virus dose, and the breed of the infected dog. Although many dogs become seriously ill from this viral disease, breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Pit Bull Terriers can display clinical symptoms to a very severe degree.

According to mainstream veterinarians, there is no known cure for canine parvovirus. Therefore, conventional treatment is primarily supportive, consisting of maintaining the dog’s body fluids, balancing electrolyte levels, and maintaining body temperature. But even if a dog survives the initial canine parvovirus attack, there is still a high risk of collapsing during the recovery period. You should vaccinate your dog to protect him in case he comes into contact with dogs that have the disease. Most vets recommend that young puppies be vaccinated every 3 to 4 weeks, starting when the puppy is 6 weeks old and continuing until 20 weeks.

Canine parvovirus is most common in places where dogs congregate, such as parks, animal shelters, or even at dog shows. Dogs can contract the virus by sniffing or consuming contaminated fecal matter, cleaning themselves, or consuming food off the ground or floor. That’s why dogs that spend their time confined to a house or yard and not in contact with other dogs have a much lower chance of being exposed to the canine parvo virus. You should also be aware of the fact that the dog parvovirus can even bring your dog home on shoes and even on car tires. If you allow your dog to live outdoors, remember to regularly disturb his drinking water because there’s a chance the water might contain the parvo virus (which birds spread on their feet, feathers, or feces).

CPV is highly resistant and can remain in soil contaminated with feces for five months or more if conditions are favourable.

Be aware of the fact that the symptoms of dog parvovirus resemble those of other diseases (such as poisoning or worms) and are often misdiagnosed. The only way to know if a dog has the Parvo virus is through a positive diagnostic test.