I am still amazed that people in this day and age do not understand the seriousness of Canine Parvo Disease. I still see Parvo during the entire year and there is really no good reason for this to happen. The vaccine is 80% effective at best, but those that I see usually are not vaccinated or not vaccinated correctly.
In short, Canine Parvo Disease is a viral disease of the upper intestinal track. It attacks mainly unvaccinated young dogs and puppies ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 months. It will set up house in vaccinated dogs but this is more the exception than the rule.
This disease is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS and very unforgiving. Puppies not properly vaccinated will most likely catch this disease if only casually exposed to the virus. Casually exposure can be something as simple as walking in the same area as a dog that is shedding the virus. That means you walking in the contaminated area and your puppy sniffing your shoes when you get home.
Here is the part that I find most surprising; an unvaccinated puppy can get the disease a year and a half later if the area that the puppy frequents is contaminated. 18 months is a very long time for a viral disease to survive exposed to the environment. So why do people continue to buy new puppies and place them in the back yard where a puppy died the year before? Why do they not vaccinate them properly and why do they believe people selling the pets that tell them that an 8 week old has had all its shots? Okay I am off my soap box.
This disease attacks the inner lining of the small intestines. The lining dies and sloughs off. This leaves huge open bleeding wounds in the small gut. The cramps, vomiting and bloody diarrhea are among the worst that are seen by the veterinary community. Its very sad to see these loved pets suffer.
Success of the treatment depends on the timing of the disease and if your pet is vaccinated. Even a partially vaccinated pet stands a better chance than one with no protection. At the first sign of bloody diarrhea, or more than a day of vomiting, get in touch with a veterinarian. Take note of any sudden change in the attitude of your pet. If they are normally playful but today act like their batteries are dead, watch them closely or get to a Vet.
On average, 1 in 7 can be saved with aggressive treatment. But 8 out of 10 will be protected with average vaccinations. So protect that pup!
Please, have all young pets vaccinate against this disease. They should receive a shot at 6, 9 and 12 weeks. A booster at 16 weeks is still a good idea. Dogs less than 5 months should not be exposed to areas where it is possible for contaminated pets to have visited. So, really don’t go to the dog park with that puppy or stay a