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Canine ParvoVirus 

Parvovirus (also known as canine parvovirus, CPV or parvo) is a very infectious disease that can be fatal. It's also common in the UK.

The virus attacks cells in a dog’s intestines and stops them from being able to absorb vital nutrients. This means that a dog or puppy will become very weak and dehydrated.

Sadly, many dogs who are diagnosed with parvo will die, so vaccinating your dog is vital.

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life cycle of parvo

How long are they contagious

parvo virus

Puppies and adult dogs with parvo start shedding the virus within 4 to 5 days of exposure. Unfortunately for conscientious owners, this time period does not always coincide with the first parvo symptoms, which means dogs can be contagious before owners even realize that they are sick. Puppies with parvo continue to shed the virus for up to 10 days after clinical recovery, so be sure to keep any puppies recovering from parvo away from unvaccinated and partially vaccinated dogs.

Outside of your dog, the virus can survive indoors for at least one month, and outdoors it can survive for many months and even a year under the right conditions. Use a cleaner proven to kill parvovirus. Talk to your vet about the best way to remove the parvovirus from your home environment or kennels.

Symptoms include 

A puppy with parvo is a very sick dog. The sooner you catch the early signs of the virus in puppies, the sooner you can get your dog to the vet. Since parvo is common in young puppies, you should call your vet any time your puppy is feeling under the weather, but you should also be aware of the specific symptoms of parvo in puppies:

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bloody stool

What should i do.....

I think my dog has parvo – what should I do?

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  • Contact your vet for advice straight away. Time is of the essence, so the sooner your dog receives treatment, the greater the chance of recovery

  • Keep your dog away from other dogs while you’re on the way to the veterinary practice to prevent the spread of the virus

  • If you have more than one dog in your house, then talk to your vet about what you need to do

  • If your vet does confirm that your dog has parvovirus, ask them for advice on how best to decontaminate your home and garden 

 

My dog has come into contact with a dog with parvo – what should I do?

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Vaccination is a vital part of ensuring that your dog does not become infected with parvo. In some very rare cases, vaccinated dogs do not develop an immunity, so it is good practice to be aware of the signs of parvo, even if your dog is up to date on their vaccinations. Contact your vet immediately if you are concerned.

Treatment 

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Sadly, drugs that kill the virus do not exist. Instead your vet will treat your dog so that their immune system and body has the best change of fighting the disease.

Treatment for parvo might include:

  • hospitalisation so that the vet can monitor your dog (the average hospital stay for a dog recovering from parvo is five to seven days)

  • intravenous fluids through a drip to stop your dog from becoming dehydrated 

  • drugs to help control vomiting which also helps to prevent dehydration

If a dog with parvo has caught a secondary infection as a result of a weakened immune system, they may be given antibiotics.

Dogs and puppies with parvo must be put in isolation and kept well away from other animals. Vets and nurses will wear special clothes and shoes when treating them which can be removed and sanitised to prevent the disease spreading to other patients at the veterinary surgery or hospital.

The prognosis for dogs with parvovirus

The chances of your dog surviving are higher the quicker symptoms are spotted and treatment is given. Sadly, some dogs and many puppies often die, even if treatment is given. 

Most deaths from parvo happen within 48 to 72 hours after the symptoms begin.

Treatment for parvo is very expensive because your dog will often need several days’ stay in intensive care. We strongly recommend vaccinating your dog to prevent them getting parvo

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