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Dr. Christian Ed B. Alera
Veterinarian
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease primarily affecting puppies age ranging between six to twenty weeks but older dogs are at risk. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your four-legged friend safe.
What is Canine Parvovirus?
This viral infection causes severe gastrointestinal problems in canines followed by vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. In the case of very young puppies, there is even a rare form of CPV that can lead to myocarditis – an inflammation of the heart muscle.
How is CPV Spread?
The virus spreads through direct contact with or exposure to infected dogs and contaminated feces. Disinfection is therefore important as it may live on surfaces for months.
Symptoms to Watch For:
· Lethargy
· Loss of appetite
· Fever
· Vomiting
· Bloody diarrhea
Diagnosis and Treatment:
If you suspect your dog has CPV, get veterinary care right away. Diagnosis usually involves fecal ELISA tests and white blood cell counts. Hospitalization with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, medications for symptom control such as anti-emetics will be administered.
Preventing:
The most effective means of protecting your dog from CPV is vaccination. Puppies should have their first shot at six weeks old, followed by boosters every two to three weeks until 16 weeks old or as advised by your vet, then annual boosters.
Other Tips on Prevention:
No shoes inside: Keep outdoor shoes and slippers out of indoor spaces to lower the risk of pathogen introduction into your home especially during rainy weather when the virus is most active.
Avoid stress: Sudden changes in diet, rehoming or other stressful events can compromise pets’ immune system. Strive to maintain a consistent environment for your dog without any form of distress.
Check the health status before vaccinating: Make sure that your pet is healthy, eating well and there are no other issues before bringing them in for vaccination. We make a checkup before the first vaccine so as to get a sample from your pet thereby reducing chances of post-vaccination diseases. Remember some puppies may have pre-existing conditions which are silent but could be activated through vaccination.
Go to a registered veterinary clinic: Only take your pet to a licensed veterinarian for vaccination and obtain a vaccination card with the name, signature and license number of the vet.
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