23/12/2024
Excellent information from our colleagues at Baldivis Vet Hospital.
Parvovirus is a no-joke killer. Vaccinate against it to protect your dog ♡
Parvovirus - What every dog owner needs to know!
What is Parvovirus? 🔽
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the lining of a dog’s small intestine, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea, often with blood. This leads to extreme dehydration, shock, and, in some cases, death. The virus damages the gut lining so extensively that it can take days for the intestines to recover and regain their ability to digest food and balance fluids. Parvovirus also affects the bone marrow, preventing the production of white blood cells, which weakens the immune system and makes it harder to fight off infections. In some instances, the virus can also impact the heart, causing inflammation, which is typically fatal.
How do dogs contract Parvovirus? 🔽
Parvovirus is highly contagious and can survive in the environment for extended periods. It can withstand normal cleaning and weather changes, making it difficult to prevent the virus from spreading. Dogs can pick up the virus from contaminated surfaces, such as paws, shoes, bedding, or leashes. Parvovirus is spread through the faeces of infected dogs, and healthy dogs can easily come into contact with it while sniffing the ground, especially during walks or at dog parks. Dogs do not need to come into direct contact with one another to catch the virus.
What are the symptoms of Parvovirus?🔽
😷Loss of appetite
😷Lethargy
😷Abdominal discomfort or bloating
😷Vomiting
😷Bloody diarrhea
😷Fever or low body temperature
How to protect your dog from Parvovirus🔽
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your dog from parvovirus. Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight off the virus. The vaccination is safe and highly effective. Puppies should follow this vaccination schedule:
Parvovirus / Puppy Vaccination Schedule:
🐶First vaccine: 6 to 8 weeks of age
🐶Second vaccine: 10 to 12 weeks of age
🐶Third vaccine: 14 to 16 weeks of age
🐶Booster shot: One year after completing the puppy vaccination series
🐶Follow-up vaccinations (annual/triannual) as recommended by your vet
It’s crucial to remember that puppies won’t have full immunity until two weeks after their final third puppy vaccination. Even after the last vaccination, it’s best to wait an additional two weeks before allowing them to socialize; especially at local dog parks, dog beaches, public places, where you may not know the vaccination status of other dogs.
At Baldivis Vet, we follow strict parvovirus isolation protocols to provide the safest and most comprehensive treatment for your pet, while ensuring the safety of all our hospital patients. If you suspect your pet is showing any signs of parvovirus, please call us on: 9524 1466.
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