Parvo is a really serious sickness that dogs can get. It's called Canine parvovirus or CPV for short. But the good news is, it can be stopped with the right shots.
Back in the 1970s, people found out about this virus, and it became a big problem for dogs. It's tough because it's hard to get rid of, stays around for a long time, spreads easily, and can be deadly if not treated.
What Is Parvo in Dogs?
Parvo is a kind of virus that makes dogs very sick, especially if they're young and haven't had their shots yet. It mostly affects the stomach and the blood-making parts of the body. Sometimes, it can even hurt the heart of little puppies.
Even though it's more common in puppies, older dogs can get it too, especially if they haven't been vaccinated.
Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs
When a dog catches parvovirus, they start feeling sick after about three to seven days. First, they might seem tired and not interested in eating. They might have a fever too. Then, they might start throwing up and having really bad diarrhoea.
Some dogs get so sick they might collapse, have trouble breathing, or feel very cold because they're so dehydrated.
Causes of Parvo in Dogs
Parvo spreads really easily. It's not in the air, but it's on lots of things dogs touch. It comes from infected poop, and it can live on the ground, on stuff, or even on people's hands and clothes. Dogs can carry it around on their fur or paws too.
It can stay in a place for months or even years, and it's tough to kill. But some cleaners can get rid of it, like bleach.
Can Humans or Cats Get Parvo?
Humans and dogs have different kinds of parvovirus, so people can't get it from dogs, and dogs can't get it from people. But if you touch a sick dog, you should be careful because you could spread it to another dog.
Cats have their own parvovirus too, but dogs and cats usually don't give it to each other. Cats might get a little sick from dog parvovirus, but it's not usually too bad.
How Do Vets Check for Parvo?
Vets usually use a special test called a fecal ELISA to see if a dog has parvovirus. It only takes about 10 minutes, but sometimes, if a dog's really sick, they might need more tests.
Stages of Parvo
When a dog gets parvo, there are three main stages:
- Infection: The dog gets the virus from poop.
- Incubation: The virus starts to make the dog sick but doesn't show symptoms yet.
- Illness: The dog starts showing signs like throwing up, diarrhea, and feeling tired.
Treatment for Parvo
There's no cure for parvovirus, but vets can help dogs feel better while their bodies fight it off. They might need to stay in the hospital and get fluids, medicine for vomiting, and special food.
It's not cheap though; it can cost a lot of money to treat a dog with parvo.
Recovery and Prevention
Dogs can get better from parvo, but it can take a while. They need good food to help their stomachs heal.
If you notice signs, contact dog hospital near me and address the issue promptly.
Don't hesitate to contact Pet Chikitsa Pet Care. Our team of experienced veterinarians will work with you to provide the best possible care for your furry friend.
The best way to keep dogs safe from parvo is to get them vaccinated. Puppies need shots when they're young, and they need boosters as they get older. It's also important for them to avoid places where they might catch the virus until they're fully vaccinated.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment