Canine Parvovirus: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

1 Canine Parvovirus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Symptoms of parvovirus

Natural infection has an incubation of 4 to 14 days. Parvo typically brings fever, above 40 degrees C, lethargy, vomiting, and poor appetite, with frequent diarrhea that may turn bloody later, alongside severe dehydration, a dry nose, and weight loss. Viral diseases carry a fairly high death rate.

So at the first sign resembling parvo, play it safe and get the dog tested at a clinic; if confirmed, begin isolation and treatment right away.

Treating parvovirus

Treatment usually runs 7 to 10 days; weaker dogs may take half a month to a month.

Isolate the sick dog at once to keep it, and its caretakers, away from healthy dogs. Disinfect the kennel and grounds repeatedly with 2% caustic soda or 10 to 20% bleach.

Strictly control the dog’s food and water during illness, withhold both. The gut is dysfunctional, and feeding adds strain and worsens the case; prevent dehydration with fluids instead. If the dog goes 48 hours without vomiting or diarrhea, try a little easily digested food such as softened kibble.

One key point: if a puppy in your home had this disease, even after disinfecting, never bring in another unvaccinated puppy, it will catch and fall ill fast.

Preventing parvovirus

1. The best defense against contagious disease like parvo is vaccination. Around 6 weeks, give the puppy the two-in-one shot; at 10 weeks, the six-in-one; then every 3 weeks for 2 to 3 rounds, and yearly after. Do not bathe the dog within a week of vaccination.

2. Keep unvaccinated dogs away from other dogs and outside exposure to cut the source of infection.

3. Feed small, frequent meals, no overeating.

4. Deworm regularly, and keep the dog’s living space clean and disinfected.