Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs that are not vaccinated. Puppies younger than four months old and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk. Parvo affects dogs’ gastrointestinal tracts and is spread from dog to dog and from contaminated feces, environments, and people. The virus can live in the environment for months and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpets, and floors. Unvaccinated dogs can contract parvovirus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs.
Some of the signs of parvovirus include:
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain and bloating
- fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
- vomiting
- severe, often bloody, diarrhea which can lead to dehydration
If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
SNN offers the DAPPV vaccine. DAPPV is a combo vaccine for parvo, distemper, hepatitis, respiratory disease, and parainfluenza for $20. We also offer vaccination packages here. Get your pet vaccinated at one of our clinics in Dallas, Crandall, and Fort Worth.
Crandall Clinic is located at 102 East Trunk Street Crandall, TX 75114 and is open Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm.
CLINIC CLOSED June 10, 17
Dallas clinic is located at 2223 S Buckner Blvd #203 Dallas, TX 75227 and is open Tuesday through Friday 10am – 2pm.
CLINIC CLOSED June 8
Fort Worth Clinic is located at 3117 E Seminary Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76119, and is open Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm.
CLINIC CLOSED June 9, 15, 16, 22, 28
Your veterinarian can run several tests to help determine whether your dog is infected with Parvo. There are currently no drugs available that can kill the virus. Treatment consists of aggressive supportive care to control the symptoms and boost your dog’s immune system.
Dogs infected with parvovirus need intensive treatment in a veterinary hospital, where they will receive antibiotics to control secondary infections, drugs to control the vomiting, intravenous fluids to treat dehydration, and other supportive therapies. The average hospital stay is about 5-7 days. Treatment is not always successful, so it is important to make sure your dog is vaccinated.
Because parvovirus can live in an environment for months, take extra care if there has been an infected dog in your house or yard. Parvo is resistant to many typical disinfectants and can be difficult to eradicate. A solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water can be used where organic material is not present. Clean and disinfect the infected dog’s toys, food dish, and water bowl in this solution for 10 minutes. If these objects are not able to be disinfected, they should be discarded. You can also use the solution on the soles of your shoes if you think you’ve walked through an infected area.
Make sure your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations. Parvovirus should be considered a core vaccine for all puppies and adult dogs. Generally, the first vaccine is given at 6-8 weeks of age and a booster is given at four-week intervals until the puppy is 16-20 weeks of age, and then again at one year of age. Until a puppy has received its complete series of vaccinations, pet owners should use caution when bringing their pet to places where young puppies congregate.