FALSE – Although Parvovirus is spread via bodily secretions of infected dogs (eg. Saliva, urine, feces) the virus can stay in the soil for years after an infected dog has shed the virus in an area. As a result, people, cars, other animals can all transport the virus to many areas on their feet, shoes and wheels.
Due to its environmental stability, the virus is easily transmitted via the hair or feet of infected dogs, or on shoes, clothes, and other objects contaminated by infected feces. Direct contact between dogs is not required to spread the virus.
Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people.
Because it is highly contagious, canine parvovirus can quickly jump from dog to dog. The virus typically enters through a dog's nose or mouth and is shed through saliva or diarrhea. The parvovirus is not airborne, but nearly all surfaces can carry it, including human skin.
It is caused by a virus that is spread via fecal-oral transmission. That is, the virus that causes parvo is passed in the feces (stools) of infected dogs. Other dogs can become infected by sniffing, licking, or ingesting the stool or anything that the stool has touched, even in microscopic amounts.
Parvo in puppies is caused by the canine parvovirus. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. Your puppy is exposed to the parvovirus every time he sniffs, licks, or consumes infected feces.
“Although there is a window of highest risk between 8 and 16 weeks, adult dogs that are not correctly vaccinated may contract this virus as well,” says Dr. Reinhart. Patients that are diagnosed with parvovirus usually present with vomiting, diarrhea, lack of energy, and poor appetite.
Now, for most dog owners in Australia, parvovirus is a disease that is part of their pet's regular vaccination regime. Since its emergence, parvovirus remains a leading cause of enteritis (small intestine inflammation) in dogs, despite effective vaccines.
This is one of the reasons that it is imperative that all puppies get fully vaccinated. The parvovirus makes it impossible for an infected Dog's system to absorb nutrients. A dog can contact parvo through exposure to another dog's feces, urine or saliva.
Myth : My dog doesn't go around other dogs or to parks where dogs go so he can't catch Parvo. FALSE – Although Parvovirus is spread via bodily secretions of infected dogs (eg. Saliva, urine, feces) the virus can stay in the soil for years after an infected dog has shed the virus in an area.
Parvo can be found in almost any environment. It is transmitted when a susceptible dog comes in contact with the virus. This includes contact with the feces of an infected dog, or objects that contain the virus (shoes, clothes, bedding, bowls, grass, carpets, floors, etc).
In the U.S., people tend to get infected with parvovirus B19 more often in late winter, spring, and early summer. Mini-outbreaks of parvovirus B19 infection occur about every 3 to 4 years. Since parvovirus B19 only infects humans, a person cannot get the virus from a dog or cat.
Studies have observed that if your Fido is not vaccinated, the chances of him getting parvovirus are very high, and the morbidity rate is 100%. The mortality rate of dogs with parvo is statistically 10% in adult dogs, and 91% in puppies (Appel et al.
Canine parvovirus can be found in almost any environment, but not every dog who comes into contact with the virus becomes infected. Several factors come into play in infection, including the immune status of the dog and the number of viruses the dog is exposed to.
The Spread of Canine Parvovirus 'Parvo'
The virus is spread through traces of feces from infected dogs. Asymptomatic dogs that are infected but aren't showing symptoms can spread Parvo, as well as dogs with symptoms, and those that have recently recovered from the condition.
Canine parvovirus is carried by dogs. Unfortunately, it is common in many rural shelters—especially those that do not vaccinate. Adult dogs may be infected carriers without showing any clinical signs. It can last a long time in the environment, perhaps as long as nine months or longer.
Parvo is a preventable disease, but even vaccinated dogs are not 100% protected from the virus.
Even if your veterinarian does everything right, there is still a chance that your puppy won't survive parvo. The near-death signs of parvo include severe lethargy, continuous bloody diarrhea, anorexia, and bloody vomiting. You may not want to admit it to yourself, but this is the point of no return.
Initial signs that your dog may have contracted parvo are running a fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and anorexia. These initial signs may progress and can result in vomiting and diarrhea within two days after showing their first symptom.
Puppies are at the greatest risk for parvo between the ages of 6 weeks to 6 months. Puppies can receive their parvo vaccinations at 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age. They must receive a full series of vaccinations to ensure complete immunity. Puppies require a parvo booster vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age.
Certain breeds and types of dogs appear to have a higher risk of parvovirus infection or show more severe illness once infected. These include Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bull Terrier breeds, and Alaskan sled dogs.
If possible, flush the yard with water and allow to dry. Then apply a disinfectant that is effective with organic material, such as AHP or potassium peroxymonosulfate. These can be used with a pesticide sprayer or hose-end sprayer at the proper dilution to saturate the outside area.
There is no specific cure for parvovirus, so treatment revolves around supporting the puppy so their body can fight it off. Supportive care for parvovirus generally includes: Hospitalization with intravenous fluids. Antiemetics to stop vomiting.
Dogs that contract parvovirus will typically begin to show symptoms of the infection within 3-10 days of being exposed. However, most deaths from parvo happen within 72 hours of the symptoms beginning and so it is essential that you seek treatment immediately if you believe that your dog may have been infected.