Parvo can be transmitted by any animal, object or person that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces. If your furry friend hasn’t received this important
in Fresno, CA, parvo can be deadly.
The best way to ensure that your dog won’t ever become infected with the virus is to prevent dog parvo. Canine parvovirus type 2 is dangerous, contagious and easily contracted. According to statistics, a dog’s chances of surviving parvo are slim. The only way you can be sure that your dog is safe is to prevent dog parvo.
Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated.
Puppies should receive their first vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks of age; booster shots should be given every 3 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old; and then once more at age 1 year. Previously vaccinated adult dogs need boosters every year. No appointment is necessary to receive low-cost dog vaccinations from The Animal Foundation’s Low-Cost Vet Clinic.
Clubs Offering:
A parvo diagnosis is the last thing any new puppy owner or dog breeder wants to hear. It’s crucial for anyone regularly working with puppies to be aware of the symptoms of parvo and what to do about it because parvo in puppies is an unfortunate common disease with fatal outcomes.
Parvo in puppies is caused by the canine parvovirus. This virus is extremely contagious and spreads either directly or indirectly through contact with an infected dog or contaminated object. Every time your puppy sniffs, licks, or eats infected feces, he is exposed to the parvovirus. When your puppy comes into contact with a contaminated object, such as a food or water bowl, collar, or leash, or when it comes into contact with a person who has recently been exposed to an infected dog, this is known as indirect transmission. That’s why it’s so important to use a parvo disinfectant.
The Merck Veterinary Manual classifies the virus as a disease of the stomach and small intestines, as this is where the virus does the most damage. The virus prefers to infect the small intestine, where it destroys cells, impairs absorption, and disrupts the gut barrier. Parvo in puppies also affects the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues, and in some cases can also affect the heart.
Parvo is most common in puppies between the ages of six weeks and six months. If the dam received her full course of parvo vaccinations, puppies under six weeks old still have some of their mother’s antibodies. Puppies receive parvo vaccinations at about 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. Owners must take extra care during this period to prevent their puppies from contracting the virus since they are susceptible to the illness until they have received all three shots in their vaccination series. Regardless of how many doses they had previously received, puppies should receive a dose of the canine parvovirus vaccine between the ages of 14 and 16 weeks in order to develop an adequate defense.
The severity of parvo cases varies. Given that stress weakens the immune system, weaning stress can make parvo in puppies more severe. Puppies who have parvo may also develop a more serious case of the condition if they also have a parasite or secondary infection.
And to top it all off, some dog breeds are more susceptible to parvo:
Vaccinate Your Puppy
Studies show that vaccinating your dog is the best way to prevent parvovirus. It’s proven that we currently have effective vaccines that will prevent all above mentioned dog parvo types from affecting the dog (Greenwood et al. 1995; Spibey et al. 2008).
Puppies should receive their first dose of the canine parvo vaccine between 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by booster shots every three weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. They should receive another booster one year later. Following that, giving your dog a booster shot every three years is ideal.
Your dog should have a lifetime immunity to parvovirus after the first initial three booster treatments. Following that, regular boosters are only given to ensure that your dog maintains their immunity. If you adopt an older dog and don’t have access to their vaccination records, you should vaccinate them against parvo in case they hadn’t received it before.
While there are dangers of over-vaccination in dogs (such as unknowingly vaccinating a dog for parvo when he’s already been vaccinated before), the risks of contracting dog parvo are much greater than those from over-vaccination. Your vet will help you in following up on these essential vaccines and the timeline.
FAQ
What animals can transmit parvo?
Parvoviruses are present all over the world and have the ability to infect and sicken carnivores. Coyotes, wolves, foxes, raccoons, minks, and bobcats are among the wildlife species that can contract parvoviruses. Parvoviruses can also infect domestic cats and dogs.
Can I pass parvo to my dog from another dog?
Dogs with canine parvovirus infection are frequently referred to as having “parvo.” The virus affects the digestive systems of dogs and is spread through direct contact between dogs as well as through contact with contaminated environments, people, or objects.
How do dogs get parvo if not around other dogs?
This virus is extremely contagious and spreads either directly or indirectly through contact with an infected dog or contaminated object. Every time your puppy sniffs, licks, or eats infected feces, he is exposed to the parvovirus.
Can my dog get parvo from my backyard?
Parvo can be found in almost any environment. When a vulnerable dog comes into contact with the virus, it is spread. This includes coming into contact with a dog’s feces or objects (such as shoes, clothes, bedding, bowls, grass, carpets, and floors) that have the virus on them.