Perth Dog Trainer, Puppy School, Maner and Behavior Training, Canine Fitness Coach, Tricks Instructor
23/12/2024
PARVO ALERT: CONFIRMED PARVOVIRUS CASE IN THE KWINANA AREA
Is your dog up to date with their vaccinations?
Parvovirus in dogs, also known as Parvo, is a highly contagious disease that affects puppies that are still too young to be vaccinated, puppies who have not completed their vaccination course and unvaccinated or overdue adult dogs.
What does parvovirus do?
The virus attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to severe vomiting and diarrhoea, often with blood. This can cause severe dehydration, shock and death, especially in small dogs and puppies. The destruction of the gut lining by parvovirus is so severe that it takes several days for the gut to retain its’ function in digestion and water balance. At the same time the virus also attacks the bone marrow. The damaged bone marrow can no longer produce enough white blood cells needed to fight off infections, and this makes the disease even more serious. In some cases the virus can also affect the heart resulting in inflammation and this is usually fatal.
How do dogs contract parvovirus?
Parvovirus is highly contagious and can survive for long periods in the environment. The virus can withstand routine cleaning and weather changes, which means the spread of the virus is hard to control. It can be easily transferred on the paws of dogs and on people’s shoes or other items contaminated with the virus, like bedding or leashes. Parvovirus is shed in the faeces of infected animals, and dogs easily come into contact with these when sniffing the ground when on walks or at the dog park. It is important to understand that you don’t need direct dog-to-dog contact for a dog to become infected with parvovirus and it can live in the environment for up to two years.
How to prevent parvovirus in dogs
Vaccinating your pet against parvovirus is the only way to protect them from the disease. The vaccination is highly effective and very safe. Puppies require vaccination based on the following:
Vaccination Schedule:
Initial vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks of age
Booster vaccine at 10 to 12 weeks old
Booster vaccine at 14 to 16 weeks old
Annual vaccinations for adults
Remember, your puppy will not have full immunity against the virus until two weeks after their final puppy vaccine.
Don’t walk puppies in parks and outside your home until they receive their full complement of puppy vaccines
How is parvovirus treated?
If parvovirus is suspected based on the clinical signs we will perform a test to confirm infection.
Signs of parvovirus infection progress rapidly, and the disease can be fatal within 48 hours if not treated. Treatment requires intensive hospitalisation with supportive care including intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain relief and medications to stop vomiting. In some instances, puppies may require more intense critical care treatment including plasma or blood transfusions. Even with intensive treatment some dogs may succumb to this horrible disease.
For more information on protecting your pet from parvovirus and other contagious diseases or to schedule a vaccination please contact your local vet
