'PARVO' CAN KILL YOUR PUPPY IN UNDER 48HRS, SOMETIMES IN UNDER 24 HOURS!
Canine parvovirus, commonly referred to as 'Parvo', an extremely contagious viral illness that can result in a serious and potentially deadly disease in both young and adult dogs, but especially in puppies under 6 months old. The virus can be transmitted through exposure to an infected dog's feces, usually through contact on the ground where infected feces may have lay in the past. Also through humans, or objects that have come into direct contact with infected feces (poop). This is why it is always smart to wash your hands immediately after cleaning up your dogs poop.
You may have been following our blog posts on our experience with the deadly Parvo Definitely a heart-breaking experience. Even though we officially lost only 1 puppy, the disease is painful and heartwrenching for those puppies that were affected: their belly hurt, their body hurt, their poop hurt, they were constantly throwing up, dehydrated and confused about exactly what was happening. The injections we had to give them multiple times a day were pure torture on the weakend struggling, hurting babies. We have been candid and transparent in order to share the real life devestation of this deadly puppy PARVO virus. Preventing the spread and awareness of this disease is at the heart of our passion right now.
PARVO VIRUS AWARENESS TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR PUPPY
FOUR OFF THE FLOOR: In ANY public location, this is the most important rule you MUST remember. Your puppy is risk of picking up the Parvo Virus through the pads of their feet. We recommend following this rule until they receive their 16 week final puppy shots. Take them to your friends house to socialize with different people and their dogs. As long as their dogs have had their annual vaccinations current within the last year, their home and yard should be safe.
Limit the puppy's interaction with other dogs. Especially unvaccinated dogs and ALL unknown stranger dogs.
Avoid places where your puppy could be exposed to parvovirus from unknown, unvaccinated dogs.
Dog parks, pet stores, play groups, parks, and other public areas should be avoided until your dog or puppy is fully vaccinated, 3 shots by 16 weeks (4 month old.)
During wellness check-ups and vaccinations at the vet, make sure to hold your puppy in your arms throughout the visit and keep him on your lap while waiting in the lobby and exam room.
Allowing your puppy to walk in areas where other dogs have been can heighten the risk of your puppy contracting diseases.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Parvo can live in the ground, the grass, on bushes – pretty much anywhere (although it is not an airborne virus). Preventing diseases is consistently more cost-effective (and less risky) than treating an illness that your pet may acquire. Treating parvovirus can often exceed $1,000, whereas the DA2PPV dog vaccine, offering protection against parvo, can be obtained for as little as $25 at a budget-friendly veterinary clinic such as VIP PetCare.
When working or spending time in places where you come into contact with dogs, make sure to change your clothes and shoes before going back home to your dog or puppy.
Additionally, remember to thoroughly wash your hands and any other exposed skin areas.
In case your dog or puppy is vomiting, experiencing severe smelly diarrhea, refusing to eat or drink, not interested in playing, has excessive sleepiness, or shows signs of dehydration, it is advisable to seek veterinary care immediately.
These are all indicative signs of parvovirus. Keep in mind that infected dogs may exhibit just one symptom. However, if your puppy is experiencing all these symptoms together, this is a dire situation and requires an immediate emergency vet visit.
Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated.
Puppies should receive their first vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age; boosters should be administered at at 3-4 week intervals until the puppy is 16 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Previously vaccinated adult dogs need boosters every year.
-To test if a puppy is dehydrated:
Skin turgor test
Pinch the skin on the back of the puppy's neck or top of their head and release it quickly. If the skin doesn't return to its original position within two seconds, the puppy may be dehydrated. This is called a "skin tent".
Gums
Check if the puppy's gums are dry, sticky, or off-color. You can also press down on the gums and see if the color returns immediately (if not, then that is not a good sign)
Eyes
Check if the puppy's eyes are bright and shiny or sunken into their sockets. Sunken eyes may indicate dehydration.
Other signs of dehydration include:
Loss of appetite
Panting
Dry nose
Thick, pasty saliva
Resource and Adaptations:
The Animal Foundation, https://animalfoundation.com/whats-going-on/blog/8-tips-prevent-parvovirus-your-dog-or-puppy#:~:text=6.,othere%20exposed%20areas%20of%20skin.
American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health
American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus
Comentarios