We have seen a rapid uptick in the number of Parvovirus cases we are seeing lately. This is an entirely preventable disease, caused by a very hardy virus. The virus is spread via fecal-oral contact, which means anywhere any infected dog has pooped, your dog could be infected. They might walk through an area that looks clean, but really isn't, then lick their feet when they get home. They might be sniffling in the grass in a contaminated area, then lick their nose. There are so many ways your dog can be exposed, it is scary. That is why vaccinations are so important. This disease can be prevented by a full series of puppy shots, and by 18 weeks your little furball should be immune. And do remember to keep up with those annual boosters, to maintain that protection throughout life. Unvaccinated dogs of any age are susceptible.
The cases we are seeing have all come out of Delta. As a precaution, avoid dog parks and common dog walking areas with your young puppies, or if you have young puppies at home. You could easily bring this virus home on the bottom of your shoes. Better safe than sorry!
The Parvo virus in dogs attacks the lining of the intestinal tract, and this results in diarrhea and vomiting. Left untreated many dogs will die of dehydration or secondary bacterial infection. With proper diagnosis and early treatment, many dogs will survive. Having had any vaccines, even one parvo shot, greatly increases the odds of survival. During treatment, we keep dogs hydrated through IV fluids or fluids under the skin. This is an essential way of hydrating because with the damaged intestinal lining they cannot absorb fluids the usual way, by drinking. We also treat them with antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection in their susceptible condition. Additionally, we use some other medications that help the intestinal tract, as well as keep the dogs totally off food and water. This allows the intestines to heal without further irritation.
In conclusion, dogs and puppies that are not vaccinated are at significant risk of Parvo infection. All dogs should be vaccinated for this deadly disease. If your dog or puppy is not vaccinated, call us immediately to get them scheduled, and in the meantime, do not take them anywhere other dogs go...which is just about everywhere. For you cat owners, Dr. Jeff says not to worry about this K9 disease, but also wants you to know there is a feline virus in the same family of parvo viradae.
The cases we are seeing have all come out of Delta. As a precaution, avoid dog parks and common dog walking areas with your young puppies, or if you have young puppies at home. You could easily bring this virus home on the bottom of your shoes. Better safe than sorry!
The Parvo virus in dogs attacks the lining of the intestinal tract, and this results in diarrhea and vomiting. Left untreated many dogs will die of dehydration or secondary bacterial infection. With proper diagnosis and early treatment, many dogs will survive. Having had any vaccines, even one parvo shot, greatly increases the odds of survival. During treatment, we keep dogs hydrated through IV fluids or fluids under the skin. This is an essential way of hydrating because with the damaged intestinal lining they cannot absorb fluids the usual way, by drinking. We also treat them with antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection in their susceptible condition. Additionally, we use some other medications that help the intestinal tract, as well as keep the dogs totally off food and water. This allows the intestines to heal without further irritation.
In conclusion, dogs and puppies that are not vaccinated are at significant risk of Parvo infection. All dogs should be vaccinated for this deadly disease. If your dog or puppy is not vaccinated, call us immediately to get them scheduled, and in the meantime, do not take them anywhere other dogs go...which is just about everywhere. For you cat owners, Dr. Jeff says not to worry about this K9 disease, but also wants you to know there is a feline virus in the same family of parvo viradae.
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