The parvovirus is a quiet yet serious threat to your dog’s health. It is one of the many vaccinations that veterinarians recommend. While not all vaccinations are obligatory, and some people feel that vaccinating dogs who aren’t exposed to certain elements might present risks—such as introducing trace amounts of the virus or bacteria into the dog’s body—it’s important to understand the potential dangers. Before choosing to skip any vaccination for your dog, it’s crucial to fully understand what parvo is and the risks involved. This applies to any vaccination you may be considering for your pet.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious and dangerous virus for dogs of all ages. Puppies, in particular, are more vulnerable due to their still-developing immune systems and the reduced likelihood of building resistance from previous vaccinations. Puppies cannot be vaccinated against parvo until they are at least twelve weeks old, and many puppies go home to their new families at just eight weeks. This leaves a window where the new family must be especially cautious about the potential for parvo exposure.
Dogs and puppies infected with parvo may exhibit a wide range of symptoms. Since the virus targets the digestive system and the lining of the digestive tract, an infected dog cannot absorb nutrients properly. This can lead to long-term effects, as despite the fact that you are feeding your dog, they are essentially starving to death.
Symptoms of Parvo
Initially, a dog infected with parvo may become lethargic due to a lack of nutrition and may stop eating altogether. Just as humans lose their appetite when sick, dogs may experience the same. Some dogs may vomit, and most will develop diarrhea that is particularly watery and bloody, often yellowish, with a very foul odor. This is usually the biggest indicator that the dog’s health is severely compromised. If your dog experiences foul-smelling diarrhea that is tinged with blood, it’s important to have them examined by a veterinarian immediately.
A high fever may set in either at the beginning of the illness or during the diarrhea stage. It can be difficult to detect a fever without the proper rectal thermometer. While a hot and dry nose can be an indicator of fever, some dogs may still have a warm, dry nose during certain times of the year, or even maintain a room-temperature, mildly moist nose while running a fever. In most cases, dog owners are unaware of their dog’s fever until it is checked at the veterinarian’s office.
The heart can also be affected by parvovirus. Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to identify cardiac problems until it’s too late. Many dogs who survive parvo develop congestive heart failure years later, after the illness itself is no longer top of mind. The most obvious sign of congestive heart failure is difficulty breathing and lethargy. If your dog is only willing to lie around, gasping for air, or taking shallow, quick breaths, you should rush them to the vet immediately. This condition is very serious and cannot be treated at home.
Dehydration and shock can occur, often leading to death for dogs infected with parvovirus. Understanding the severity of parvo, along with what it actually is, can be very frightening for pet owners. However, this knowledge empowers you to take the necessary steps to save your dog. If your dog is not vaccinated, is showing symptoms, or has been exposed to the virus, any signs of parvo should be treated with urgency.
While this explains what parvo is, the virus can take anywhere from a week to ten days to show symptoms after exposure. It’s prevalent in many states along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and, to varying degrees, throughout the country. The virus can be contracted from the ground, other dogs, or even from being tracked into your home on shoes. Unfortunately, there is no cure for parvo, only treatment, and the hope that your dog will recover quickly. Parvo is a serious illness and one of the greatest dangers to dogs. Vaccination remains the only proven method of prevention.
