Parvo ... A Threat?
Make no mistake, Parvovirus is a very deadly threat to unvaccinated dogs. It is so infectious that anyone or any moving object can become a carrier of Parvo simply by coming into contact with an infected dog's stool. Parvo can live in the environment for six months to one year, it can survive extreme heat and subzero temperatures. This means the virus might remain long after the fecal material is removed. Peoples shoes and animals paws can pick up and carry the virus.
What If My Dog Gets Parvovirus? See your veterinarian as soon as possible. Medications and treatment procedures are available to control the complications of the disease. The death toll among Parvo victims has been significantly reduced particularly when it is properly diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
Vomiting, severe diarrhea (often tinged with blood or mucus) are usually accompanied with depression, loss of appetite, and high fever (104-106 degrees).
Note: The normal temperature for a dog is 100.5-102.5.
What Can I Do To Prevent Parvovirus?
Here are a few tips and things you can do to prevent Parvo:
Be sure that your dog or puppy is properly immunized, and that the immunization level is maintained by regular boosters.
Minimize contact with strange dogs or puppies and places frequently visited by other dogs.
Promptly remove any fecal material around or in your yard. Disinfect the area regularly with bleach/water solution.
Ask your veterinarian for advise, particularly if you plan to travel with your dog.
Can I Catch Parvo?
While canine Parvovirus rarely effects humans, more often we spread it by carrying the virus on our feet or shoes.
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