Parvovirus is a serious canine disease that affects the gastrointestinal tracts of dogs. The virus can infect dogs of any age, but puppies that are not yet vaccinated are especially at risk. A puppy infected with parvovirus will become very ill very quickly, and if veterinary care is not provided, parvovirus can lead to death within a few days. Continue reading to learn how to respond if your new puppy contracts parvovirus:
Know the Symptoms
Puppies tend to be boisterous, curious, and have lots of energy. If your puppy starts acting differently, monitor him closely. Common signs of parvovirus include loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal bloating, vomiting, and severe diarrhea that may be bloody. A young puppy can quickly become dangerously dehydrated from persistent vomiting and diarrhea, so it is important to act quickly to help your pet.
Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
Since parvovirus can be fatal in a short amount of time, it is essential that you take your puppy to the vet or an animal hospital immediately if he shows the common signs of the virus. While there is not a specific medication that cures parvovirus, a vet will be able to control dehydration by replacing lost fluids, proteins, and electrolytes with an I.V. Medications may be administered to help ease vomiting and diarrhea and to prevent secondary infections from occurring.
Parvovirus is extremely hard on a puppy's body, which makes it crucial that he receives care from a vet as quickly as possible. The sooner you get your pet to the vet or animal hospital, the better the chance that he will recover from the disease.
Isolation
Parvovirus is extremely contagious, so while your puppy recovers he will need to be isolated, especially if you have other dogs. Your puppy's kennel will need to be thoroughly disinfected, and your will need to completely clean any areas of your home that your puppy spent time in. Parvovirus is an extremely hardy virus that is very hard to kill-- it is a good idea to consult your vet for advice on the disinfection protocol and what types of cleaning agents to use.
While your puppy is still considered infectious, you will want to avoid taking him outside the home to any place where he may be in contact with other dogs, especially puppies. Your vet. such as at 1st Pet Veterinary Centers, will be able to tell you when your puppy is well enough to resume normal activities without putting other dogs at risk.
