Canine Parvovirus is one of the most common viral infections in dogs. It primarily affects the intestinal lining of the dog, since this area has a high concentration of cells that divide very quickly. Due to their immature immune systems, puppies are usually very susceptible to canine parvovirus.
Canine parvovirus is carried by dogs, some of whom do not show any signs of the disease themselves. The virus is transmitted through the excrement of an infected dog. Although it does not affect humans, cats or other non-canine pets, canine parvovirus can be transmitted to dogs by infected dog waste that is inadvertently brought into the home or yard. Canine parvovirus is considered a very hardy virus; it can live in the environment for as much as nine months.
Although some dogs may carry the virus without displaying any symptoms, most infected puppies or dogs begin to show symptoms of canine parvovirus around 7-10 days after exposure. Early symptoms of canine parvovirus include loss of appetite, lethargy, high fever, and depression. Secondary symptoms are bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and other signs of severe gastrointestinal distress. In addition to being bloody, diarrhea in dogs with canine parvovirus is often yellow in color and usually extremely foul smelling.
While there are treatments for canine parvovirus, there is no cure. The most important and immediately-needed treatment is re-hydration. Most dogs who die from canine parvovirus succumb to the effects of dehydration. Treatment with intravenous or sub-cutaneous antibiotics and fluids can help keep the dog hydrated. This also helps the rest of the dog's system fight off any secondary problems, such as loss of proteins and electrolyte imbalances.
With proper treatment, dogs can and do recover from canine parvovirus. It is often thought that dogs that survive the first 3-5 days of canine parvovirus and are receiving proper treatment will generally recover. Dogs that have suffered from canine parvovirus are likely to be susceptible to it again, and some puppies that survive may be permanently weakened by the disease.
Parvovirus vaccination is considered a "core" canine vaccination. Core vaccinations are inoculations that all puppies and any adult dog with an unknown vaccination history should receive. These vaccines guard against canine diseases that are widely spread and which are serious enough to cause dangerous illness or even death. Puppies should receive Canine Parvovirus inoculations at 6-8 weeks, 9-11 weeks, and 12-16 weeks. Dogs over 16 weeks old with an unknown vaccination history should receive a single dose of these vaccines. All dogs should receive a booster shot at one year, and be inoculated every three years after that.
