Canine Parvovirus (also known as Parvo, or CPV) is a deadly, highly contagious disease. CPV is currently the most common infectious canine disease in the US, and although there is a vaccine that protects against the virus, it does not offer full protection against all strains.
Dog owners should therefore arm themselves with knowledge about the disease, it's symptoms, how it is spread and most importantly, what to do if you think your dog may be infected.
CPV infects mainly puppies and younger dogs, as their immature immune systems make them an easy target. But that's not to say that adult dogs are not at risk. The disease is also more prevalent with certain breeds including, Labradors, Rottweilers and Dobermans.
Early symptoms of parvovirus infection include fever, lack of appetite, general lethargy, and a lack of interest in activities the dog usually enjoys. The dog may also start vomiting and develop chronic diarrhea which is usually yellow, with a particularly foul smell.
As the condition worsens the dog will become dehydrated and may go into shock. The virus may also infect the heart and cause heart failure. In fact, heart failure can occur years after the dog has had a parvovirus infection.
The most common form of the disease is enteritis. This attacks the digestive system, damaging the lining of the stomach and intestines and making it impossible for the body to process nutrients and fluids. The dog will develop chronic diarrhea with blood in the stool and will inevitably die, if not treated.
Even if the dog does survive, the likelihood is that he will be sickly and prone to infection throughout his life.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CPV. Treatment is focused mainly on keeping the dog hydrated by delivering fluids intravenously. This may also be supplemented with a balanced electrolyte solution. Antibiotics may also be administered to ward off opportunistic bacterial infections.
If the dog has severe symptoms, an antiserum may also be administered, while corticosteroids are usually given to dogs that are in shock.
The parvovirus is extremely resilient. It is transmitted through the feces of an infected animal, and can live away from a host for up to six months.
It is impervious to most household and commercial disinfectants, although tests have shown that undiluted chlorine bleach can destroy it.
The best way to prevent parvo is to ensure that your puppy is vaccinated. The vaccine is not completely effective, but it dramatically increases a dog's resistance to the disease.
You should also be very wary of allowing your puppy to interact with dogs you are not familiar with. In fact, you should not allow your puppy off your property until he has had his full set of shots. Better to be safe than sorry.
Dogsanddogtraining.com has more information on parvovirus in dogs, plus other health advice about dog diarrhea, dog vaccinations and more.