Protect your puppy from parvo

Parvovirus is a very serious viral disease that affects dogs and is found more frequently in puppies than adults. Puppies between the ages of 6 weeks to 6 months are most susceptible. The virus attacks the intestinal lining of a puppy’s body and kills these cells. Very young pups can actually have the heart muscle infected and can die suddenly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of this virus include severe (often bloody, smelly) diarrhea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy, followed by dehydration, shock and, in severe cases, potentially death.

Transmission

Parvo is transmitted, oftentimes by adult dogs that are infected but show no signs of the disease. The virus can be brought home to your dog on your shoes, hands or car tires. In fact, your dog could come down with the disease even if he never leaves your house or backyard. The virus is excreted in the feces of an infected dog; it is not airborne, as many people think. Parvovirus is specific to canines and cannot be transmitted to humans or other pets. The parvovirus can remain in the environment for as long as nine months or longer. Once a dog or pup has been exposed to the virus, it can take seven to 10 days for symptoms to show or for a parvo test to come out positive.

Diagnosis

The virus can be detected in the stool of an infected dog. In addition, a blood sample can help to detect the presence of antibodies. In addition, a reduced white blood cell count is present.

Treatment

If a dog is left untreated, it will eventually die of dehydration. Intense treatment consisting of IV or subcutaneous fluids and antibiotics is required. There is no cure for parvo and only the symptoms can be treated. This treatment includes fluids, regulating electrolyte levels and sometimes blood transfusions.

Prevention

Following your veterinarian’s recommended vaccination schedule, beginning at 6 weeks of age, is the best prevention against parvo. The parvo vaccine is typically included in the distemper vaccine. Do not allow your puppy to socialize with other dogs or play in areas frequented by other dogs for at least two weeks after he has had his last vaccination.

If your dog has become infected, keep him isolated from other dogs. Clean up all the stool in your yard and use 4 ounces of bleach per gallon of water to soak your ground.

It is far better to have dead grass than a dead dog. In order to clean food and water bowls, use this same solution for a thorough washing. Wash any bedding your dog has used with this same bleach solution and hot water. Disinfect any areas that your dog has come in contact with. Make sure that all your other dogs are vaccinated as well.

Angie Lewis is vice president for Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue.