Parvo Virus is a highly infectious viral disease that is caused by Canine Parvovirus. It primarily attacks the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration. Immediately connect with your veterinarian if you suspect the signs of this disease. To know more about the disease and its preventive measures, check out this blog.
Who is Susceptible to Parvovirus?
It majorly affects young pups, unvaccinated dogs and dogs whose vaccination is incomplete. Other dogs that are at a high risk of parvovirus include:
- Unvaccinated Dogs: Dogs that are not vaccinated or have incomplete vaccinations are at great risk of developing the disease.
- Young Pups: Dogs between the age group of 6 weeks to 6 months are more susceptible to catching the disease, although any dog less than one year of age can easily catch the disease. However, dogs that are older than one year are at comparatively lower risk.
- Breed Predisposition: Some breeds are more likely to canine parvovirus (CPV) such as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, English Springer Spaniels, Pit Bulls, Alaskan Sled dogs and others.
How is Parvo Virus Transmitted?
Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected dog or its faeces or by contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus is shed in heavy amounts in the faeces and vomiting, which can further spread through several ways mentioned below:
- Faeces - Infected dogs shed the virus in their faeces for nearly two weeks before the symptoms appear and two weeks after they resolve. Even trace amounts of faeces can contain the virus.
- Contaminated surfaces and objects - The virus can survive on surfaces like kennels, food and water bowls, collars, leashes, shoes, clothing and human hands.
- Contact with infected dogs - Dogs can get CPV from direct contact with infected dogs, or by sniffing another dog's stool.
Nature of Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly resilient virus that can survive for months or years in the environment:
- Resistance to disinfectants: Parvovirus is resistant to many common household disinfectants.
- Temperature resistance: This deadly virus can survive even in extreme temperatures.
- Resistance to desiccation: CPV can survive for a prolonged period of time, especially when associated with faeces or other organic material
- Persistence in the environment: The virus can survive for up to a year in the environment, and can persist indoors at room temperature for at least two months.
How to Prevent Parvovirus?
- Vaccination - Vaccine increases your dog's ability to fight off the disease. It is the most effective way to prevent the spread of parvo in dogs and reduce the impact of the disease. Vaccination starts at the age of 45 days, followed by 2 booster shots at an interval of 21 days. Afterwards, this shot of vaccine is required every year. However, it cannot completely protect your dog from parvovirus.
- Minimize Outside Exposure - It is advisable to keep your dog in and around the home, away from any potential source of infection. You can avoid taking them out for walks on the streets, or potty training outside the home until their vaccination is complete (till approximately 4.5 months of age)
- Ensure Hygiene - This virus is very infectious and if by any chance you come in contact with an infected dog, his faeces, or vomiting, the virus can stick to your clothes, or shoes and easily transfer to your pup. So whenever you come back home from outside, change your shoes and clothes and wash your hands before you get in contact with your puppy
- Avoid Contact with Other Dogs - Avoid any contact with other dogs, even if your dog is completely vaccinated. However, this does not mean a complete cut-off and making your dog antisocial. Simply monitor and be vigilant when with other dogs.
- Cautions During Veterinary Visits -
- Dogs have a habit of sniffing and licking various surfaces through which they can easily catch infection. When in a veterinary clinic, try to keep your dog in your lap to avoid these licks and sniffs.
- Don't let your dog get close to any other dog at clinics, because this virus keeps shedding in the excretions till 14 days after clinical signs stop appearing.
- Be vigilant and ask the staff to clean the table before keeping your dog on the examination table.
To sum up, Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal to dogs. Some dogs are at a higher risk of catching the virus which includes unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs, young pups and breeds like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Pitbulls and more. The virus is so powerful that it can even survive irrespective of time, temperature, environment or disinfectants. However, with simple cautionary measures, you can prevent your pet from catching this deadly disease.
