As a puppy owner, the last thing you would want to hear is the diagnosis of parvo. Parvovirus in puppies is a common disease but it comes with deadly consequences. For that reason, it is essential for all puppy owners or anyone dealing with them on a regular basis to know about the symptoms of parvovirus and what they can do about it.
What is parvovirus?
Parvovirus in puppies is caused by the canine parvovirus which is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or any contaminated object. Your puppy can be exposed to this virus every time it sniffs, licks, or consumes any infected feces. Indirect transmission of this virus may occur when a person, recently been exposed to any infected dog touches your puppy or if a puppy encounters a contaminated object like a food bowl, leash, or collars.
The parvovirus is a stomach and intestine disease because this is where it poses the most damage. This virus infects the small intestine and destroys the cells, impairs absorption, and damages the gut barrier. In puppies, parvovirus can also affect the bone marrow and lymphopoiesis tissues and sometimes the heart as well.
Why do small puppies get parvovirus?
Puppies age six weeks to six months are most prone to parvovirus. Those younger than six weeks can still retain their mother’s antibodies. Puppies are vaccinated for this virus at six, eight, and twelve weeks of their age and are vulnerable to the disease until they have had all three shots in the vaccination series. For that reason, you should take extra precautions to prevent your puppy from contracting the virus. No matter how many doses they have received to develop adequate protection, they should receive the dose of the canine parvovirus vaccine between the age of 14 to 16 weeks.
Symptoms of Parvovirus in Puppies
A puppy with parvovirus is a sick dog. The sooner you catch the symptoms the sooner you can take your dog to the vet. Because parvovirus is common in young puppies, you should call the vet any time the pup is feeling sick but be aware of these specific symptoms in parvovirus. These may include bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, weakness, depression, and dehydration.
All these symptoms are serious and can be a sign of parvovirus or some other serious illness. For that reason, look for a “vet clinic near me in Placerville” to seek immediate care for your sick dog.