El canine parvovirus or parvovirus It is a highly serious viral disease for dogs, especially puppies and the elderly. It notably affects the digestive system of the dog, causing microorganisms that settle in the mucosa that line its walls and spread throughout the rest of the body. If measures are not taken in time, the parvo virus can be fatal, so it is important to know its symptoms to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
The disease mainly attacks the gastrointestinal system, red blood cells and, in the most severe cases, the heart. It is highly contagious, as it is transmitted orally and through contact with infected feces or other contaminated materials: soil, water, collar, etc. It is also spread through direct contact with other infected dogs or intrauterine, and although it can be contracted by humans, it is impossible for a dog to transmit it to us (and vice versa).
This virus is very resistant to different environmental conditions and common cleaning products, so when disinfecting a contaminated material we must do so with chlorine and bleach water, which are the most effective. Otherwise, the silly it can live for months attached to a certain surface.
Once contracted, canine parvovirus takes between three and four days to manifest. The first of your symptoms is fever (40 - 41ºC), and from the sixth to the twelfth day approximately we can see others such as the following:
- Discouragement or depression
- Diarrhea (usually bloody).
- Frothy vomiting and loss of appetite.
- Generalized weakness and shortness of breath.
- Dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
- Grayish-yellow stools.
- Cardiovascular problems.
Despite being a very widespread disease, many facts about canine parvovirus are still unknown, and therefore its symptoms are often confused with those of other pathologies. For this reason we must go to the vet at the slightest suspicion, since the dog can lose its life between 48 and 72 hours after the appearance of these signs. In puppies younger than 6 months, sudden death is very common.
Due to its relatively recent discovery, there is no specific cure for this virus. However, if it is detected and treated early, it can be cured with specific medication for each of the symptoms. During the process, the dog cannot be in contact with others, and it is necessary to thoroughly disinfect the entire house so that it does not contract it again. On the other hand, it is common for life-long side effects to remain.
The best way to combat this disease is prevention. For this, it is essential to strictly comply with the vaccination schedule imposed by the veterinarian. It is also important that we maintain certain hygiene standards both with regard to our pet and their environment (wash their water and food bowls regularly, store the food in a clean space, etc.). Likewise, it is recommended to avoid contact with dogs of unknown origins.