Protecting Your Dog From Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease that spreads through direct and indirect contact with infected dogs. Unvaccinated puppies younger than four months old are most susceptible. The virus mostly affects the stomach and small intestines. In the small intestines, parvovirus destroys cells, impairs nutrient absorption, and disrupts the gut barrier. Parvovirus can also affect bone marrow, lymphopoietic tissues, and even the heart. As dog owners, it is extremely important to protect your dog from parvovirus.

The virus usually begins by attacking the tonsils or lymph nodes of the throat. Inside the lymph node, the virus typically invades and enters the lymphocytes, creating many copies of itself. This way, the virus can now move into the bloodstream, where it targets the bone marrow, small intestine, and sometimes the heart. From the bone marrow, the virus is able to weaken the immune system, making it easier for the virus to invade the gastrointestinal tract, where it begins to break down the epithelium of the small intestine. Symptoms such as severe diarrhea and nausea are the results of this damage.

Because the parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract, infected puppies have weakened immune systems. Newborn puppies retain some of their mother’s antibodies until they are about six weeks old, but after this, they are vulnerable to disease. Until your dog has received all of the proper vaccinations, it is crucial to protect your dog from harm. Your dog should also be receiving booster vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian.

Parvovirus is a highly infectious disease. Infected dogs can begin spreading the virus within 4 to 5 days of exposure, but this time period does not always coincide with symptoms. This means that dogs can be contagious without the owners even knowing they are sick. Parvovirus can survive indoors for at least one month and outdoors for several months. If you have been in close contact with the virus, be very conscious of the safety of your dog’s environment.

Some symptoms of parvovirus include bloody and severe diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and bloating, fever or low body temperature, and vomiting. If your dog is exhibiting even only one of these symptoms, it is best to bring them to the vet. Certain breeds are at increased risk of parvo, like Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, German Shepherd Dogs, and Labrador Retrievers. There is currently no cure for parvovirus. Instead, treatments are designed to support the dog’s immune system and treat symptoms. Parvovirus can be fatal, and 68-92 percent of dogs treated by a veterinarian survive. It takes approximately a week for puppies to recover from parvo.

The best way to prevent your dog from being infected is to give them proper vaccinations and keep them away from infected puppies. If you suspect that your dog has parvo, it is your responsibility to isolate them until they are looked at by a veterinarian. Humans cannot get parvovirus from their dogs, but they can spread it between dogs. If you have handled a dog that is suspected to have parvovirus, wash your hands frequently and stay relatively away from other dogs.

Works Cited:

Canine Parvovirus. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2020, from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/animal-health-articles-and-helpful-links/canine-parvovirus

parvovirus. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2020, from https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dzb89ZVrDlcaIRY4O1pDj3h9bbA6TZftL_wb8QFqFn8/edit

Parvovirus in dogs. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2020, from https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/parvovirus-dogs