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Parvo Virus

Canine Parvo Virus type 2 (CPV-2), better known as "Parvo", is an extremely contagious disease of young dogs.  It is common in the County of Grande Prairie, and frequent cases are seen every year.  The symptoms begin with extreme vomiting, lethargy and listlessness.  This is usually followed by foul-smelling diarrhoea, usually with blood.  Left untreated, it can be fatal within 24-48 hours.  Even with treatment, not all dogs survive, depending on how far advanced, and the severity of the disease.  Younger dogs tend to have more severe symptoms.

 The Canine Parvo Virus attacks rapidly dividing cells which makes the intestine, bone marrow and lymph tissue of the dog especially vulnerable.  In very young dogs, the virus can also affect the heart.  Symptoms usually appear 3-4 days after infection with the virus. 

The virus is spread through the vomit, feces, and saliva of infected dogs.  Dogs do not have to come in contact with infected dogs; they simply need to come in contact with the virus that was left behind by the infected dogs.  The virus can live in the environment for months, so there may not be any visible indication that the ground or a contaminated object carries the virus. 

People can also carry the virus on their clothing or shoes and spread it to their own dog, after touching an infected dog.  Areas that many unvaccinated dogs visit are very likely contaminated.  This can include dog parks, picnic areas that are dog friendly and even areas in Town where dogs roam free.

The best treatment for Parvo virus is prevention.  Routine vaccinations for dogs in this area include the Parvo virus vaccine.  Female dogs should be vaccinated before pregnancy to ensure high levels of antibodies in their milk.  Puppy vaccinations should start at 6-8 weeks of age and continue every 2-4 weeks, depending on the schedule set by your veterinarian, until the dog is 14-16 weeks of age.  The sooner the puppy is vaccinated, the sooner it is protected. 

Vaccines do not act instantly, so until the puppy receives at least 2 vaccinations, preferably three, care must be taken that the dog is not exposed to the virus.  Puppies that were given one vaccination at 6 weeks of age, then do not receive booster shots, are not protected, and can still get Parvo.  If the puppy is showing symptoms of Parvo, it should be tested at a vet clinic to confirm the diagnosis.  Puppies with Parvo usually require hospitalization for treatment.

If your dog as Parvo, anywhere that it has vomited or had a bowel movement is contaminated.  Food and water bowls and blankets are also carriers of the virus.  Bleach, as a 10% solution, can be used to disinfect areas where the dog has been.  The ultra violet light in sunshine also helps kill the virus in outdoor areas.  Any other unvaccinated dogs that your infected dog was exposed to, are also at risk.  The best way to control this disease is to have all dogs vaccinated, so that it doesn't have a chance to spread.