Dog Parvo – The Deadliest Viral Disease of Dogs

Canine parvo virus is probably the most common viral disease of dogs right now. The virus is extremely small (the Latin word for small is “parvo”): just a few grams of stool can contain millions of virus particles. Canine parvovirus has been known and identifiable since the late 1970s and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the vomit or diarrhea of ​​an infected dog.

Canine parvovirus (CPV), also known as “dog parvo,” attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and, in some rare cases, the heart muscle. The common form of dog parvo has a predilection for rapidly dividing (cancer-like) cells such as the cells of the intestinal lining and this is why it causes diarrhea and ulcerative enteritis. When the virus lashes out and attacks these types of cells, it makes dogs and puppies unable to assimilate or absorb nutrients and fluids.

Symptoms of dog parvovirus may take 7-10 days before they become visible. In the early stages, the symptoms that the dog’s owner is likely to notice are lack of energy and loss of appetite. As a result, dogs infected with the parvo virus will soon show clear symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition. As the virus spreads, symptoms of canine parabo are characterized by high fever, severe diarrhea, often bloody, vomiting, lethargy, and severe dehydration. If your dog, but especially your new puppy, starts exhibiting any of these symptoms, see a vet right away. Because although canine parvovirus can also infect adult dogs, it is more often found in young puppies due to their low immune systems. Parvovirus requires quick action to help an infected dog survive, because when it comes to parvo, every hour counts.

The severity of the disease depends on the age of the dog, the presence of maternal antibodies, the size of the virus dose, and the breed of the infected dog. Although many dogs become seriously ill from this viral disease, breeds such as Doberman Pinschers and Pit Bull Terriers can show clinical symptoms to a very severe degree.

According to conventional veterinarians, there is no known cure for canine parvovirus. Therefore, conventional treatment is primarily supportive and involves maintaining the dog’s body fluids, balancing electrolyte levels, and maintaining body temperature. But even if a dog survives the initial canine parvovirus attack, there is still a high risk of collapsing during the recovery period. Your dog should be vaccinated to protect him in case he comes into contact with dogs that have the disease. Most veterinarians recommend that young puppies be vaccinated every 3 to 4 weeks, starting when the puppy is 6 weeks old and continuing through 20 weeks.

Canine parvovirus is most common in places where dogs congregate, such as parks, animal shelters, or even dog shows. Dogs can contract the virus by sniffing or consuming contaminated fecal matter, by cleaning themselves, or by consuming food off the ground or floor. That’s why dogs that spend their time confined to a house or yard and not in contact with other dogs have a much lower chance of being exposed to the canine parvo virus. You should also be aware of the fact that the dog parvovirus can even be brought home to your dog on shoes and even car tires. If you allow your dog to live outdoors, remember to alter the water he regularly drinks because there is a chance the water may contain the parvo virus (which birds spread on their feet, feathers, or feces).

CPV is very hardy and can remain in faeces-contaminated soil for five months or more if conditions are favourable.

Be aware of the fact that dog parvovirus symptoms resemble other illnesses (such as poisoning or worms) and are often misdiagnosed. The only way to know if a dog has the Parvo virus is through a positive diagnostic test.