09/03/2023
Kia ora, Porirua.
Please be aware there is an outbreak of parvovirus in Porirua, especially Titahi Bay. There is some information below but a key message is to ensure your dog is fully vaccinated - if it's not, then it may not be safe to walk your dog in public or socialise with other dogs.
WHAT IS PARVOVIRUS?
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus. It causes an infectious gastrointestinal illness in puppies and young dogs and without treatment is potentially deadly. Young dogs between six weeks and six months old, unvaccinated, or incompletely vaccinated dogs are most at risk for contracting parvovirus. Part of what makes the virus so dangerous is the ease in which it is spread through the canine population. An infected dog can be shedding the virus 4-5 days after exposure often before the dog is showing any clinical signs. The dog will continue to shed the virus while they are sick and up to 10 days after they have recovered.
The most common symptoms of parvovirus include:
- Severe, bloody diarrhoea
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Depression
- Dehydration
Canine parvovirus can be transmitted in two ways:
Direct contact
Dogs like to explore the world through their noses and mouths. Parvovirus can be contracted through nose and mouth contact with infected faeces, which can happen when a dog sniffs or licks a surface, or another dog that has been contaminated by faeces.
Indirect contact
The virus can survive on clothing, equipment, on human skin, and in the environment. Indirect transmission occurs when a dog comes in to contact with a contaminated person, object or environment. There is evidence that parvo can live in ground soil for up to one year, so can come into a dog's environment on the soles of shoes.
Treatment
Treatment for parvovirus depends on the severity of your dog's symptoms but is generally intensive and can be costly. Parvovirus also reduces your dog's ability to fight infection by lowering their white blood cell count, so unfortunately not all dogs will survive even with treatment.
It is important to note, fully vaccinated dogs can still get a mild form of kennel cough, but parvovirus is completely preventable with the correct vaccination course. It is imperative that if you think your dog may have symptoms of either kennel cough or parvo that you contact a vet. Early treatment of both viruses will ensure your pet's best chances of recovery. In both cases your dog will need to have a period of isolation away from other dogs.
Please contact any local vet clinic to check on your dog's vaccination status or to discuss getting your dog vaccinated.
