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<\/p>\nBenjamin Franklin\u2019s words \u201cAn ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure\u201d are as true today as when they were penned more than 240 years ago. But when talking about \u201cparvo,\u201d a disease that strikes fear into most dog owners\u2019 hearts, prevention can be worth so much more.<\/p>\n
Parvo \u2014 the full name is canine parvovirus \u2014 is a highly contagious virus that attacks the rapidly dividing cells of a dog\u2019s body, causing a potentially deadly disease of the digestive system. It most frequently strikes puppies between 6 and 20 weeks old, but older dogs that haven\u2019t been vaccinated can also be sickened.<\/p>\n
Parvovirus is spread through contact with feces (stool) of infected dogs. A parvovirus-infected dog can shed huge amounts of virus in his stool even before signs of illness are seen. Consequently, kennels, food and water dishes, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs can be easily contaminated with the virus.<\/p>\n
The virus is extremely hardy and can survive in the environment for up to two years under the right conditions. Parvovirus is also resistant to most disinfecting household cleaners, making it tough to disinfect an area once it\u2019s been contaminated by an infected dog. And given the fact that places such as dog parks, lawns and even homes aren\u2019t cleaned with disinfecting products regularly, a dog can be exposed to parvovirus when it\u2019s least expected.<\/p>\n
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Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, especially in young puppies.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, some of the signs \u2014 at least at first \u2014 can be confused with simple stomach upset. This often causes owners to postpone treatment until their four-legged friends are severely dehydrated. The delay can also expose other dogs in the home to the virus.<\/p>\n
There isn\u2019t a specific drug that will kill parvovirus in an infected dog, so a veterinarian will focus on treatments that support the dog\u2019s body systems until the immune system can fight the viral infection. Typically, hospitalization and intensive patient care is required:<\/p>\n
Treatment can be very expensive, and while up to 85 to 90 percent of treated dogs can survive, some dogs may still die despite aggressive treatment. In untreated dogs that develop the disease, the death rate can exceed 90 percent. That\u2019s one reason why veterinarians recommend vaccinating your dog against parvovirus.<\/p>\n
Yes! Because parvovirus infection can have such devastating consequences and it\u2019s still quite common, veterinarians consider vaccination to protect against parvovirus to be an essential part of preventive health care. Many vaccines are now available to veterinarians, and often a single dose can be given to protect against several common viruses, including parvovirus. You\u2019ll want to discuss your dog\u2019s vaccination needs with your veterinarian, who will develop a preventive health care plan based on your dog\u2019s life stage, lifestyle, risk of exposure and underlying health conditions.<\/p>\n