Bringing home a new dog is a fun time but comes with many responsibilities, especially for first-timers. It’s more than just buying them toys and collars, a soft bed, food and treats, grooming tools, etc. However, new pet owners should not be scared if they did all the research, figured out the best place for them to play, or even found the best veterinarian.
Just like humans, it’s normal for dogs to get sick sometimes. But owners should be aware of a dangerous common virus that affects hundreds of dogs called canine parvovirus. They should immediately seek a vet’s help if they see their dog with bloody stool.
What Is Canine Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus (CPV), most commonly known as “parvo,” is one of the most serious viruses to kill dogs. It was first discovered in 1967 and is resistant to humidity, cold, heat, and drying. It is hard to die, can live in the environment for a long time, and transmits via direct contact with an affected dog or indirect contact with a contaminated object.
The virus usually infects the small intestine, impairing absorption, destroying cells, and disrupting the gut barrier. In puppies, parvo affects the lymphopoietic tissues and bone marrow, and sometimes the heart.
Symptoms of Parvo
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever or hypothermia (low body temperature)
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Bloody diarrhea in dogs
- Persistent vomiting
How Do Dogs Get Parvo?
Unvaccinated dogs and puppies aged six weeks to 6 months are the most susceptible to parvo. If the dam completed her full series of parvo vaccinations, puppies younger than six weeks still retain some of their mother’s antibodies. In addition, parvovirus enters a dog’s body as they clean themselves or eat food off the ground or floor, with infected feces (even in small amounts).
It spreads directly from an infected dog to another dog. Once infected, a dog contaminates food, water bowls, leashes, collars, beddings, and crates. The virus develops inside the dog’s body between 3 to 7 days before the first symptoms show. Humans or pet owners can also get the infection through their hands, shoes, or clothing once they touch an infected dog.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Parvo
Up to now, it’s still unknown how to kill the virus. But available treatments can help a dog’s immune system, so their bodies become stronger to combat the disease. In almost all cases, puppies and dogs with parvo need treatment from an animal hospital, like AEC Memphis.
The vet will give intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and, in some cases, specific drugs to help control vomiting and avoid dehydration. They may also provide antibiotics to an infected dog with secondary infections due to a weakened immune system.
Here are other important facts about parvo in dogs:
- Infected puppies and dogs must be isolated from other animals.
- Vets and vet nurses should wear special clothes and shoes when treating them, which can be removed and sanitized to prevent the spread of the disease to other patients at the animal hospital or clinic.
- A dog recovering from parvovirus can stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days.
- Many puppies die from the virus due to weak immune systems.
- Vaccinations against parvo are less costly than their treatment that involves staying in intensive care for several days.
Choosing the Best Vet Clinic
Choosing a reliable veterinarian, such as the Animal Emergency Center in Memphis, is a vital pet owner’s decision for their dog. Together, they will become long-time partners to ensure the patient’s health. Aside from the cost, license, and experience, the location of the clinic or hospital is also a crucial factor to consider. During emergencies, sick dogs are most likely to survive if attended to immediately.
Recommendations from friends, family, or co-workers are one of the best ways to find the right veterinarian. The internet is also an excellent place to look for a vet clinic within any pet owner’s community. They can search “animal emergency clinic Memphis“ if, for example, they’re from the area.