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Parvo Virus

Diarrhea that is bloody is often categorized as ‘Parvo’ and it is a common viral disease in dogs. This disease effects dogs from all ages especially those below 1 year old but research shows that all ages of dogs still die from this disease. Virus are usually found on inanimate objects such as clothing, cage or pans. However insects and rodents can play a good role in spreading this disease too. Stains such as vomit must be remove using detergent to avoid breeding of bacteria and such infections. The best solution, use bleach!

There are several signs and symptoms on Parvovirus. Check with your vet if you are unsure.

Asymptomatic - there will not be any signs and usually occur on dogs over 1 year and vaccinated dogs

Cardiac - Very crucial, difficulty in breathing and inflammation which can cause very young death in puppies, as young as 8 weeks

Intestinal - At this stage, it will cause damage to the intestinal area and effect the patient to secondary bacterial infection. The majority of the effected dogs are age below 1 year and the rate of infection is likely about 16% to 35% from this group. There are several symptoms which you might want to take note of such as vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and diarrhea (with blood).

Usually, dogs will undergo a positive diagnosed test to certify the disease. It could be quite expensive. The treatment will also include supportive therapy such as replacing the fluids loss during diarrhea and vomiting, such fluids include Intravenous, Electrolyte, Subcutenous.

The cause of Parvovirus is the failure of the canine parvovirus vaccines in a low level which does not create a strong antibody to fight the parvovirus. If your dog or puppy recovers from this disease, they may be immune to it for at least 20 months and maybe for life. Vaccinations will be given to dogs to prevent this from happening but there are dogs who does not responsed to this vaccinations. Recommended vaccinations for puppies especially those below 1 year, once every 3 weeks to 1 month;continuous until the puppy is 20 weeks old. Those who are above 1 year, it is recommended to give one vaccination at the age of 1 and every 1 to 3 years later. For more treatment info, click here.

Parvovirus is a deadly disease which is commonly known among puppies and a regular vaccinations if important to keep your puppies and dogs away from such disease.