08/09/2023
Please read. We are seeing more and more cases. Full Vaccination is the only prevention.
If your pet shows any symptoms please present your pet soonest for treatment. Our number is 0117405441, we are ready to answer your questions regarding Parvo virus or any other pet related issues you may have.
"Unveiling the Threat of Canine Parvovirus: Deadly and Highly Contagious"
Canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a silent and menacing presence that particularly targets our cherished dogs, especially vulnerable puppies. This virus doesn't just strike; it strikes with swiftness and severity, constituting a dire medical emergency that demands immediate attention.
Visualize a virus that mercilessly assaults a dog's intestines, rendering them weak, inducing vomiting, and subjecting them to bloody diarrhea. Dehydration looms ominously like an unyielding storm, and the clock is ticking – this is the relentless nature of canine parvovirus.
However, here's the key: we can stand up against this formidable foe. We possess the means to safeguard our beloved pets from this silent menace. It all commences with awareness, early intervention, and preventative measures through vaccinations and unwavering hygiene practices.
Let us not allow our dogs to fall victim to this invisible adversary. Let us delve into the truth about canine parvovirus and discover how we can shield our cherished companions.
The incubation period for canine parvovirus (parvo) varies but typically spans from 3 to 10 days post-exposure. During this incubation phase, the virus quietly multiplies within the dog's body, often without overt clinical symptoms.
Subsequently, after this incubation period, the dog may manifest symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and other signs of illness. The intensity of these symptoms and the disease's progression can differ from one dog to another.
Crucially, it's worth noting that during the incubation period, and even before noticeable clinical signs emerge, an infected dog can shed the virus, potentially spreading it to other dogs. This is a pivotal reason why parvovirus proves highly contagious and can spread rapidly in locations frequented by dogs, like dog parks, kennels, and shelters.
Due to the virus's contagious nature and the potential for swift disease development, timely vaccination and preventive measures hold paramount importance in mitigating the risk of infection, particularly among puppies.
Regarding vaccination, it's indeed possible for a dog to contract parvovirus (parvo) even after receiving the initial vaccination. This is attributed to the fact that vaccines, including the initial parvo vaccination, do not offer instantaneous and complete immunity. Here's why:
Immune Response Takes Time: Following the first parvo vaccination, the dog's immune system encounters a weakened or inactivated virus. Subsequently, the immune system necessitates time to recognize the virus and construct a protective defense.
Series of Vaccinations: Ensuring robust and enduring immunity typically requires dogs to undergo a series of parvo vaccinations spread over several weeks. This series, usually administered to puppies, aims to foster the proper development of the immune system.
Vulnerability During the Series: While undergoing the vaccination series, dogs may remain susceptible to parvovirus. Consequently, it's imperative to prevent puppies from exposure to potentially contaminated settings or other dogs with uncertain vaccination status during this critical period.
Incomplete Immunity: Even after completing the vaccination series, certain dogs may not attain full immunity, although the risk of severe illness is significantly diminished. Therefore, booster vaccinations are advocated throughout a dog's life to uphold protection.
Adherence to the vaccination schedule and guidelines tailored to the dog's age, breed, and individual health status, as provided by your veterinarian, is of utmost importance. Furthermore, practicing diligent hygiene and avoiding environments with a high risk of parvovirus exposure can effectively reduce the likelihood of infection. This vigilance proves especially vital during the vulnerable period before the establishment of full vaccination protection.
Contacts us for more info, we are here for all pets.
Randparkridge Veterinary Hospital
011 678 7526
