Parvo Outbreaks: 4 Steps to Prevent Its Deadly Spread
Posted by Mary Ann Minick | Posted in Pet Health | Posted on 21-11-2010-05-2008
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Photo Courtesy of Maja Lampe from http://www.sxc.hu/profile/lampelina
It’s a preventable but deadly disease sweeping shelters and pet homes nationwide. The parvo virus, also known as Canine parvo virus 2 (CPV-2) is highly contagious and spreads easily by dog-to-dog contact, through fecal matter and a pet’s environment (kennel, collars, etc.). With an 80% fatality rate in puppies, this rapidly-spreading virus is extremely lethal.
All it takes is one sick dog to spread the virus to all dogs it has contact with. Those most susceptible are puppies four months of age and younger and unvaccinated dogs. There is no treatment to rid Fido of the virus, just support for him as he goes through the symptoms – which can include fever, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. To help curb the spread of parvo virus, we at All Pets Wellness Foundation would like to share the following five steps to protect your dogs from suffering through this horrible virus:
1. Vaccinate
First and foremost, vaccinate your dogs! While it won’t prevent 100% of outbreaks, it will drastically reduce his or her chances of contracting the virus.
2. Go to the Vet
If your dog is sick and has symptoms like vomiting or bloody diarrhea, call your vet IMMEDIATELY. Parvo can take over your dog very quickly so it’s important to get vet help quickly. When you call to make the appt tell them the symptoms your dog is experiencing so they can be prepared to take the proper precautionary measures to keep other pets safe.
3. Keep Infected Dogs Away from Other Dogs
Help prevent spreading parvo to other doggies by keeping Fido isolated from his friends for at least one month. This will help reduce chances that it will spread to other pups as it is highly contagious.
4. Disinfect EVERYTHING
If your dog has parvo, make sure to clean up and dispose of all dog feces immediately to prevent it from being tracked in by shoes and paws. Use a chlorine bleach/water mix with a ratio of 1:30 on pet bowls (both food and water) as well as wash the bedding. Also sanitize all hard surfaces that Fido has been laying or playing on.
Remember, while there’s no guarantee that taking these cautions would prevent an infection 100% of the time, it will significantly reduce your dog’s risk of getting this serious virus. Regular veterinary care is always the best way to make sure your pet is on track to wellness..
Parvo is a very dangerous and deadly disease. Prevention starts with keeping your pet healthy.
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This is a good subject to talk about. I kind of found your webpage by mistake. Thank you for the good post. For sure bookmarked!
This is a nice subject matter to talk about. I sort of found your site by mistake. Thank you for the good post. For sure bookmarked!
I am not a vet, but I work with several hunting dogs. One thing we are VERY careful about is Parvo. It is deadly. I have found that a lot of folks don’t know that their breeding femals should have a booster shot of parvo before having puppies. I give this 1month before pups are due.and follow up with their puppy shots .IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. There is a lot of heart break when you lose a whole litter of pups.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.