Parvo in Dogs: How to Protect Your Dog

By May 14, 2022 Dog Diet, Dog Diseases, Dog Health, Dog Nutrition, Immune Support, Supplements for Dogs 0 Comments

Parvo in Dogs: How to Protect Your Dog

Canine parvovirus (CPV, sometimes known as “parvo in dogs”) is one of the most dangerous viruses that may infect puppies. Thankfully, with adequate immunization, it is mostly avoidable.

This virus was identified in 1967 and has quickly become recognized as a significant health danger to dogs. This is partly because the virus is hard to eliminate, can survive in the environment for extended periods, and is excreted in enormous amounts by infected dogs.

Because the virus is highly infectious, the parvo vaccination is considered a must-have for puppies and dogs. While parvovirus vaccination has dramatically decreased the risk of this disease in fully vaccinated dogs, it is still prevalent in puppies and adolescent dogs.

Here’s all you need to know about parvo dog disease, including preventing your puppy from it, recognizing parvo symptoms, and what to do if your dog shows signs.

Table of Content

Check out our Nutrition Strength Immune Support for Dogs here.

What Is Parvo?

The canine parvovirus causes the so-called parvo in pups. This virus is infectious and may be transmitted directly from an infected dog or indirectly through a contaminated item.

When your puppy sniffs, licks or eats contaminated excrement, he is exposed to the parvovirus. It is possible to indirectly transmit infection by touching your puppy or exposing it to contaminated items.

Objects like this are food or water, dishes, collars, leashes or the hands and clothing of people who handle ill dogs. That’s why using a parvo disinfectant is so critical.

The Merck Veterinary Manual classified the virus as a disease of the stomach and small intestines since here is where the virus causes the most significant harm.

The virus prefers to infect the small intestine, where it kills cells, inhibits absorption, and breaks down the gut barrier. In dogs, parvo damages the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues and the heart in certain instances.

Why Do Puppies Get Parvo?

Parvo is most common in canines between six weeks to six months. If the mum receives her entire parvo vaccines, puppies of less than six weeks retain part of their mother’s antibodies.

Canines are vaccinated against parvovirus at six, eight and twelve weeks. They are susceptible to the illness until they have gotten all three doses in their vaccine regimen. Therefore parents must take additional precautions to keep their pups safe.

To acquire enough protection, puppies should get an amount of canine parvovirus vaccination between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they got before.

Parvo instances range in severity. Because stress affects the immune system, weaning stress may lead to a more severe incidence of parvo in pups. A more severe form of parvo in canines may be caused by parvo plus a secondary illness or parasite.

Furthermore, some dog breeds are more susceptible to parvo:

  • Rottweilers;
  • Doberman Pinschers;
  • American Staffordshire Terriers;
  • English Springer Spaniels;
  • German Shepherd Dogs;
  • Labrador Retrievers.

How Long Are Puppies with Parvo Contagious?

Within 4-to-5 days of exposure, puppies and adult dogs with parvo begin shedding the virus. This time does not always coincide with the development of parvo symptoms, meaning dogs might be contagious before their owners are aware they are sick.

Pups with parvo may shed the virus for up to ten days after they’ve recovered clinically, so keep any puppies recuperating from parvo away from unprotected or partly vaccinated dogs.

The virus may persist for at least one month inside or outside your dog. It can survive for months or even a year outdoors under the right circumstances.

Use a cleaner that has been shown to destroy parvovirus. Consult your veterinarian about the best technique to eliminate the parvovirus from your house or kennels.

What Are the Symptoms of Parvo in Puppies?

A puppy with parvovirus is a sick puppy. The earlier you detect early indications of the virus in pups, the sooner you may take your dog to the veterinarian.

Because parvo is so frequent in young pups, you should contact your veterinarian if your puppy is sick. Still, you should also be aware of the following parvo symptoms in puppies:

  • Bloody diarrhea;
  • Vomiting;
  • Fever;
  • Lethargy;
  • Anorexia;
  • Weight loss;
  • Weakness;
  • Dehydration;
  • Depression.

These symptoms are concerning in and of themselves and may indicate parvo or another severe infection. If you believe your puppy has parvo, call your veterinarian right once.

Inform the vet’s staff of your suspicions and your puppy’s symptoms so that they may take the necessary quarantine measures to protect your puppy from infecting other dogs.

What Are the Stages of Parvo?

Parvovirus in dogs goes through the same phases as other viral diseases.

Infection

Viral particles are transmitted to the puppy (or adult dog) by feces from an infected dog. These viral particles may arise from a variety of sources, including:

  • On the ground or on a surface, the environment;
  • The mother canine;
  • People, clothes, and inanimate items who come into touch with an infected dog’s poo.

Only a tiny quantity of feces, which enters via the puppy or dog’s mouth, is required to induce illness.

Incubation

The dog gets infected with parvovirus but does not display symptoms throughout the incubation phase (between three and seven days).

The virus targets the body’s fastest-dividing cells, usually the tonsils or lymph nodes in the throat. The virus can increase quickly and efficiently by targeting these fast dividing cells and infecting other regions of the dog’s system.

The virus will seek out additional sources of quickly diving cells after it has expanded and reached circulation. The following are the hardest-hit areas:

  • Marrow from bones;
  • The cells that coat the small intestine’s walls.

Parvovirus may infect the heart in tiny pups, causing inflammation of the heart muscle, impaired cardiac function, and arrhythmias.

Illness

When the virus enters the bone marrow, it targets the young immune cells, decreasing the number of protecting white blood cells.

This reduces the body’s capacity to defend itself, making it easier for the virus to enter the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is where the most damage is done. The virus impairs the small intestine lining, making it impossible for the dog’s GI tract to:

  • Take in nutrients;
  • Prevent the loss of fluid in the stool;
  • Stop microorganisms from entering the intestines.

This has significant health consequences, including:

  • Diarrhea;
  • Vomiting;
  • Lethargy;
  • Dehydration;
  • Fever;
  • Sepsis.

While dogs do not always die from parvo, those that do usually die from dehydration or shock and the harm caused by septic toxins from the gut bacteria seeping into the circulation.

Recovery

Parvovirus recovery varies from dog to dog. Depending on the severity of the sickness and the damage it has caused, full recovery might take a long time.

Dogs who can recover from an infection will be unwell for five to ten days after the symptoms appear. Pups infected with parvovirus must get enough nutrients to mend their intestines.

A bland, readily digested food should be offered to dogs recuperating from parvo.

How to Treat Parvo in Puppies?

Parvo is diagnosed by your veterinarian based on clinical indications and blood tests. The doctor may also do an ELISA test to look for viral antigens in your dog’s feces and other diagnostic tests.

Parvo has no known cure. Your veterinarian will provide your puppy with parvo treatment at home and supportive care throughout the illness. He will be treating symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration and ensuring that your puppy receives appropriate nourishment.

Severe illnesses like parvo compromise a puppy’s immune system. It reduces his white blood cell count, making him less able to fight subsequent bacterial infections.

The virus damages a dog’s digestive wall, increasing the chances of the following illness. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and closely watch your puppy for subsequent issues, such as bacterial infections.

Parvo is an illness that may be lethal. Dogs treated by a veterinarian have a survival rate of 68 to 92 percent, and most pups who survive the first three to four days recover entirely.

The length of time it takes for puppies to recover from parvo varies depending on the severity of the infection, but it usually takes around one week.

Your veterinarian will help you with parvovirus in dogs’ treatment and advise you on any protections for other puppies or dogs in the house.

How to Prevent Parvo in Puppies?

Parvovirus may be avoided. Parvo vaccines are recommended for all puppies and adult dogs. Breeding dogs need to be fully immunized since their puppies will depend on their antibodies for the first few weeks of life.

You should avoid exposing pups to unvaccinated dogs until they have gotten all of their parvo shots. Ensure all of your canines are up to date on their vaccinations, and be cautious while socializing your puppy.

Parvo may be spread via dog parks and other locations where dogs gather, so plan on socializing your puppy in a less public setting.

Puppies need a lot of socialization and training. You may safely socialize your puppy with fully vaccinated adult dogs in a setting like your house.

Although most puppy classes, boarding facilities and doggy daycares require proof of immunization, it’s best to talk with your veterinarian about the appropriate degree of caution.

Can a Vaccinated Dog Get Parvo?

While no vaccination can guarantee 100 percent effectiveness, the canine parvovirus vaccine is effective and offers excellent protection against the virus. Canine parvovirus is quite rare to make an adequately vaccinated dog sick.

Pups must have the right amount of boosters for their age and be boosted again at one year, then every three years.

It would not be unreasonable to boost the vaccination early if a vaccinated dog comes into touch with a sick dog actively shedding parvovirus.

Can a Dog Get Parvovirus Twice?

While not impossible, a dog that has recovered from canine parvovirus is highly unlikely to get it again. Parvovirus immunity lasts for many years.

This does not negate the requirement for your dog to be vaccinated against canine parvovirus if they have previously recovered from it. Vaccinations should still be given regularly.

The Takeaway

Parvovirus is a dangerous and infectious illness. Understanding how parvo spreads, the symptoms of parvo, parvo treatment options, and the best strategies to avoid parvo in puppies can assist you in keeping your puppy safe. Consult your veterinarian for further information about parvo.

Nutrition Strength Immune Support for Dogs

Nutrition Strength Immune Support for Dogs

Check out our Nutrition Strength Immune Support for Dogs here.

Nutrition Strength Immune Support for Dogs Plus Antioxidant, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs, with Coenzyme Q10, Nutritional Support for Dogs, 120 Chewable Tablets are a mix of tasty ingredients, which can help strengthen your dogs’ immune system and keep them healthy.

Our delicious immune booster for dogs tablets may help keep your pet in optimal health by:

  • Delivering a nutritionally concentrated synergistic blend of reishi, maitake and shiitake mushrooms‚ which, as numerous studies have indicated, are potent immune enhancers.
  • Helping your dog’s immune system with the proteoglycans and polysaccharides from the mushrooms — a nutritional dog immune builder.
  • Boosting energy levels to keep your dog active, attentive and enjoying life.
  • Supporting your dog’s immunity with strong antioxidants found in coenzyme Q-10, green tea and selenium.

Used daily, our immune booster for dogs nutritional supplement may help to gradually build up your pet’s immune system and restore their natural balance. Our tablets’ ingredients can help to restore joint health and enhance flexibility and range of motion.

Image source: Wikimedia / rbennett661.

Related Posts