Canine virus infection first appeared around 1978, and is arousing a great deal of public interest because of the severity and rapid spread of the disease. The virus is similar to distemper in cats. In fact, the diseases are almost identical. Some even think the canine virus is a mutation of the cat virus.

The main source of the canine virus is the feces of infected dogs. Feces from an infected dog may have a high concentration of the virus. Animals get sick by ingesting the virus, which then goes to the intestine and invades the intestinal wall.

The canine virus is stable and resists the effects of heat, detergents, and alcohol. As a matter of fact, the virus has been recovered from dog feces even after three months at room temperature. This means the virus can be easily passed by the hair or feet of infected dogs, clothes, shoes and other household objects. No direct contact between dogs is necessary to spread canine virus. Infected dogs usually become ill within 7-10 days.

The disease usually causes the dog to experience severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can contain blood in some cases. Infected dogs usually have no appetite, experience fever and act depressed. You should also know that the canine virus can affect dogs in all age ranges, but it occurs most frequently in dogs less than one year old. Dogs younger than five months old usually are the most severely affected and can be difficult to treat.

Diagnosing the disease can be a challenge for veterinarians. Usually the vet needs to see the virus in the feces of the dog, or detect anti-CPV antibodies in the blood. Sometimes a dog can have canine virus but test negative in the stool sample.

The virus cannot be killed once it is in the dog. But the virus itself does not cause death. Usually it is caused by the lining of the intestinal tract being disintegrated. This often causes the bacteria that live in the intestines to get into the blood stream, which usually is fatal.

Treatment includes hydration to correct electrolyte imbalances in the infected dog. Intravenous fluids are needed which contain electrolytes. To control septicemia, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are given.

Most dogs with the virus can survive if treatment is given early on. Some breeds tend to die more frequently from the virus, especially Rottweilers.

To prevent your dog from getting the canine virus, keep him vaccinated. Puppies usually receive a shot for parvo at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. All dogs should be given a booster shot at least once per year. Dogs that are at risk for high exposure, such as at kennels and dog shows should get a booster every six months. Pregnant dogs should be given a booster shot two weeks before the puppies are born so the vaccine has a chance to work into the puppies themselves.