{"id":2182,"date":"2019-12-20T21:59:24","date_gmt":"2019-12-21T02:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mypetsanimalhospital.com\/wp1\/?p=2182"},"modified":"2019-12-20T21:59:24","modified_gmt":"2019-12-21T02:59:24","slug":"canine-parvovirus-is-highly-contagious-and-deadly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypetsanimalhospital.com\/canine-parvovirus-is-highly-contagious-and-deadly\/","title":{"rendered":"Canine Parvovirus is Highly Contagious and Deadly"},"content":{"rendered":"
Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and deadly. Commonly known as parvo<\/a>, this disease is easily prevented through vaccination. In fact, vaccination is practically 100% effective in protecting pets against parvo. If a puppy is not vaccinated when exposed to the parvovirus, they have a poor prognosis. Parvo is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog or through exposure to contaminated feces or vomit. Typically parvo occurs in puppies between six weeks and six months of age.<\/p>\n Common symptoms<\/a> of parvo include bloody diarrhea, severe vomiting, dehydration, lethargy and loss of appetite. Parvo has two forms. The most common form is intestinal and presents with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and lack of appetite. When exposed to the parvovirus, a puppy’s body is unable to absorb nutrients which causes dehydration, weakness and often death. The second type of parvo is extremely rare. It occurs when the virus attacks the heart muscle of fetuses and very young puppies often leading to death.<\/p>\n Contaminated feces of infected dogs is responsible for the spread of parvo. This occurs through direct dog to dog contact as well as exposure to contaminated surfaces, environments and people. Extremely contagious and easily transmitted parvo can remain in an infected environment for some time. Parvo can survive in contaminated soil for years. It is resistant to most cleaning products. A concentrated household bleach solution<\/a> must be used to thoroughly clean any inside area or surface exposed to parvo.<\/p>\n No cure is available for parvo and treatment is intensive. Efforts are made to support an infected dog’s body systems until her immune system is strong enough to fight against the viral infection.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n