How Does a Dog Get Parvo?
The virus is highly contagious and is passed orally, generally from feces or infected soil. The parvo virus is very strong and can survive two months or more indoors or in soil. It is resistant to heat, cold, humidity and drying.
"Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the infected environment. The virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects," the American Veterinary Medical Association warns.
Parvo also lives in the feces of dogs who have had the illness for several weeks. Because of the strength and severity of the disease, it is important to decontaminate any areas that might have been exposed to the virus and make sure a dog that has had parvo is isolated from puppies or unvaccinated dogs. Talk to your vet about steps you can take if your dog has been exposed.
How Is Parvo Treated?
Dogs who have parvovirus are typically hospitalized for treatment, which include IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, and antibiotics. Your vet will likely ask you to continue your dog on oral antibiotics after hospitalization as a way to help weakened dogs fight off secondary infections.
As mentioned above, it is incredibly important to seek out medical treatment as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has parvo. Dr. Mitchell writes that with appropriate and timely care, 68 to 92 percent of dogs with parvo will survive. She also says puppies that get through the first three to four days of illness tend to make a full recovery.
What Can Be Done to Prevent It?
Puppies should be vaccinated as soon as they're old enough. In addition, owners of dogs that have not been vaccinated should exercise extreme caution in taking their pup places where exposure may be more likely, such as a dog park. If your dog has been exposed, isolate him until the vet tells you the threat of contagion is over. Inform your neighbors as well. Their dogs can be exposed to parvo by simply walking through your yard.
There's no getting around it: Parvovirus is a scary, deadly illness in dogs, especially puppies. You can mitigate your dog's chances of contracting parvo through responsible pet ownership, attentiveness and prompt veterinary care.