What is Parvovirus?
Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can be life-threatening to dogs.
It can manifest in two different ways:
Intestinal: the most common form. Characterized by lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss
Cardiac: attacks the heart muscles, often of very young puppies, which can lead to death
What Causes Parvovirus?
It can be transmitted by any person, animal, or object that comes in contact with an infected dog's feces (poop), either through direct contact with an infected dog or indiretcly through fecal - oral route. The virus can also be brought by way of shoes or slippers that have come in contact with infected feces.
What are the Symptoms?
Signs of the illness usually show within 3 to 7 days.
Generally, the first sign is lethargy (lack of energy).
Secondary signs are loss of appetite or diarrhea, then vomiting or fever.
Anemia and bloody or smelly stool (poop) are severe signs.
How is it Diagnosed?
Aside from Physical Examination, the most common way here in the Philippines is through CBC (Complete Blood Cell Count) and/or Chemical Blood Profile.
How can it be Prevented?
Up-to-date Vaccinations. One common vaccine is called "5-in-1", which protects your dog from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus.
Avoid socializing with outside dogs at least two weeks after vaccination.
