Canine Parvovirus

What Is Canine Parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus is a disease that is brought on by one of several strains of canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). Commonly referred to simply as “parvo,” this infectious virus is prevalent in puppies and adolescent dogs, but it can even infect adult or senior dogs. Unvaccinated dogs are the most susceptible, and certain breeds, such as rottweilers, bull terriers, Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, and English springer spaniels, are also more likely to contract it.

Canine parvovirus is spread through contaminated fecal matter. This can be from contact with the feces itself or from contact with surfaces that the contaminated matter has touched. This may include the ground, kennels, toys, and clothing. It can even live on people’s hands or a dog’s paws, allowing it to be transported easily.

The virus targets the dog’s white blood cells within its bone marrow and its gastrointestinal tract. This creates two potential dangers. It breaks down the surface of the animal’s intestines, which allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, and weakens its immune system, reducing its ability to ward off other infections.

Some parvovirus symptoms a dog may experience include:

• Fever
• Lethargy or sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain in the abdomen

Puppies can experience additional symptoms, including difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and even collapse. It may also result in reduced white blood cell counts or cause hypothermia or hypoglycemia.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Parvo?

Parvovirus is a resilient virus, which means it can survive for years in a dog’s environment. It can also withstand cleaning with many disinfectants. Because of this, the best way to protect against this virus is through prevention, which can be easily achieved through vaccination.

When a puppy is about six weeks old, they should be vaccinated against parvo. The vaccination is combined with distemper, hepatitis, and parainfluenza protection in a vaccine known as DHPP. After this initial vaccination, they should receive a booster shot every three weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs will get this vaccination at one year old and then again every three years to keep them up to date.

Aside from vaccination, pet parents should be sure to create a clean living environment for their pets. This means making sure to wipe their paws off after they’ve been outside and thoroughly cleaning crates and other equipment that are shared between dogs. Diluted bleach and specialty cleaners are a good way to help eliminate the virus on surfaces. Lastly, reducing the amount of time they spend at dog parks and other areas where there may be unvaccinated dogs makes a big impact.

How Is Parvovirus Diagnosed and Treated?

To determine if your pup has canine parvovirus, your veterinarian may order a parvo SNAP test (also known as a fecal SNAP ELISA test). Using a fecal swab sample, the test can provide results in only 10 minutes. A positive test result is a sure sign of parvo. However, dogs may still have parvo even though the test results are negative because it takes time for them to begin shedding the viral antigen.

Unfortunately, as is the case with many canine conditions, parvovirus in dogs and puppies has no cure. However, offering support for the dog’s symptoms can give them the strength needed to fight off the virus on their own. Your veterinarian may suggest different support solutions, like antiemetics to help prevent frequent vomiting. Hospitalization may be necessary if they have lost too much fluids, and feeding tubes may be needed to help them get the required nutrients.

Turn to Our Team for Dog Vaccinations Today

You want your furry friend to be by your side for as long as possible. Take the steps necessary to protect them from viruses like canine parvovirus. At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, we have dedicated teams to make each visit go smoothly, so you can get back to playing with your pet. Located in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ, we serve the Tri-State area with helpful services like diagnostic, surgical, and emergency care. Contact us today if you would like to schedule an appointment for a canine parvovirus vaccine.