What You Must Know About Canine Parvovirus
When you get your dog vaccinated, one of the vaccinations it needs is the canine parvovirus. This vaccination will protect your dog from this dangerous illness that has no cure. However, there is still a small change that your dog will catch it. It is important that you understand the dangers of it and how to recognize it, just in case your dog has contracted the disease and needs prompt treatment.
There Are Two Forms of the Infection
There is not just one type of canine parvovirus, but actually two forms of it. The more serious form is cardiac, which is luckily a lot less common. This type of parvovirus occurs more often with young puppies and is often fatal. The more common type of the virus is intestinal, showing symptoms like lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. While this is also a serious condition, it isn't quite as serious as when the puppy has cardiac canine parvovirus. It is important to note the distinction since the symptoms and treatments can be quite different.
It Is Considered a Medical Emergency
Regardless of the form of parvovirus you think your dog has, make sure you treat it like an emergency. Do not wait until your vet opens up on Monday or until the following morning; call them immediately and ask when your dog can be seen. Explain the symptoms and that you believe it might be related to the virus. Look for signs like consistent and bloody diarrhea, high or low temperature, complete loss of appetite, and bloating or pain in the abdomen. Dehydration from regular vomiting is another common sign and a good reason to bring the puppy to an animal hospital.
Your Dog Can Get It in a Variety of Ways
You should also be aware of the potential causes and transmission of canine parvovirus so that you can do your best to prevent it. All canine parvovirus cases are caused by the virus being transmitted through the dog's system, but this can happen in a variety of ways. The first way is for the dog to have a laceration on its paw or other area of the body, come in contact with the virus through another dog, then have the virus transmitted through that laceration. Dogs can also get it by sniffing the stool of a dog that had the virus, which is called a fecal-oral route of infection. It may also be on a person's shoes if they accidentally stepped on fecal matter with the virus, then the dog sniffed or licked it.
Your dog needs to get treatment for this virus immediately, so consult a veterinarian like Belmont Avenue Veterinary Hospital if you have any suspicious about your dog having canine parvovirus.