{"id":3390,"date":"2023-08-18T14:08:19","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T14:08:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prettypetskennel.com\/?p=3390"},"modified":"2023-08-21T03:35:57","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T03:35:57","slug":"parvovirus-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prettypetskennel.com\/parvovirus-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Parvovirus In Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re thinking about getting a dog, it\u2019s important to do your research on common diseases that might affect your pup in order to ensure that your pet lives the longest and healthiest life possible. These beloved furry friends bring our families so much joy, but unfortunately, there are many diseases that can be seriously detrimental to the health of dogs, particularly if they are unvaccinated. In your research to be more knowledgeable on the potential health risks for dogs, you might have come across the term \u201cparvovirus\u201d. Also known as CPV or parvo, it\u2019s a common and fatal disease that can affect dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image via Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is Parvo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first recorded instance of parvo<\/a> occurred in 1978, making the disease relatively novel. In essence, parvo is a highly contagious virus that targets a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and lymphopoietic tissues and in some cases, the pathogen can also impact the heart. This disease is very serious and is potentially life-threatening. As it\u2019s extremely contagious and very durable, it\u2019s also a very common disease. Parvo mostly affects unvaccinated dogs<\/a> and puppies younger than four months old as they have weaker immune systems compared to older, vaccinated dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The faeces of infected dogs is how parvo mainly spreads. The virus begins to shed in the faeces just before clinical signs develop, and shedding continues for about fourteen days after clinical signs resolve. This disease spreads through direct dog-to-dog contact, contaminated faeces, or objects such as kennel surfaces, food bowls, collars, and leashes. The virus can also contaminate the hands and clothing, such as shoes, of people who handle infected dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The primary reason why this disease is so easily transmitted is because the virus exhibits a remarkable resistance, demonstrating prolonged viability within its surroundings. It is shed abundantly by infected dogs, displaying a high level of contagiousness, and in the absence of suitable treatment, frequently culminates in fatality. Not only that, parvovirus is also resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying. Dogs can even be infected through trace amounts of contaminated faeces. This is why the parvo vaccine is considered a core vaccine for puppies and dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do Puppies Get Parvo?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image via Zoritsa Valve on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although parvovirus can affect dogs of any age, puppies<\/a> aged 6 weeks to 6 months are the most susceptible to parvo. This is because puppies at this age have weaker immune systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puppies tend to start weaning off their mother\u2019s milk at around 6 to 7 weeks old, at which time they can begin to receive their vaccinations. Puppies younger than six weeks old still retain antibodies from drinking their mother\u2019s milk, with the assumption that she has received her full series of parvo vaccinations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the process of weaning can lead to more serious cases of parvo in puppies, as stress weakens the immune system. The disease can also be further exacerbated by a secondary infection or a parasite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are certain breeds of dogs who are generally more susceptible to contracting parvo, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n