Does Your Puppy Have Parvo? (2024)

• ByAdmin
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• 18 Jul, 2018
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Canine parvovirus (or just parvo) is an extremely contagious disease that any dog can get, but puppies in particular are most susceptible due to their young immune systems. The illness is gastrointestinal in nature and can be fatal if not treated early in your young dog.

Canine parvovirus is spread by infected dogs who come in contact with healthy dogs or if a person handles infected feces and goes around a healthy dog. Vaccinations to prevent canine parvovirus infection begin at less than two months of age and are given in a series of shots until a puppy reaches around four months old.

If your puppy is exposed to canine parvovirus in any way, they can become infected and will quickly become ill, especially if your dog has not received their full series of vaccinations for the virus. The following are signs your puppy has parvo. If any of these signs apply to your young pup, take them to the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment. Parvo can be fatal if not treated within 48 to 72 hours.

Your puppy will vomit and have diarrhea if canine parvovirus is present in their system. Vomit may be clear or a yellow or brown color, and diarrhea will often contain blood and be a light yellow or mustard colored hue.

In addition to vomiting frequently, your puppy may also appear to be drooling or foaming at the mouth as part of their parvo symptoms. Your puppy's nose may also begin running.

A common sign of parvo in puppies and older dogs is lethargy. Your puppy will lose interest in all play and will appear nearly lifeless when approached. When you pick your puppy up, they will lie back down or refuse to stand.

Your puppy will appear bloated, especially when viewed from above. This bloating will typically result in a very rounded abdomen that will make your puppy yelp or express other discontent when touched.

No amount or type of food will entice your puppy to eat if they have parvo. They will refuse to go to their bowl, and if they do eat, they will likely rapidly vomit anything they consume. In addition to loss of appetite, your puppy will begin to lose weight, with their ribs showing even if their belly appears full from bloat.

Fever

Fever is a common symptom of canine parvovirus. Your puppy will feel hot to the touch, especially around their ears. Their belly (where there is less fur) may feel sticky and overly warm if fever is present.

Dehydration is very serious; dogs with canine parvovirus refuse water and quickly dehydrate due to their constant vomiting and diarrhea symptoms.

Since canine parvovirus is fatal if untreated, you must seek emergency veterinary care for your puppy immediately, even if your dog does not exhibit all of the above symptoms. Until you can get to the vet, use a syringe to supply water or a clear electrolyte liquid to your puppy to prevent dehydration and possibly save their life.

Your puppy will require constant care while they recover from their parvo symptoms. Your puppy's vetwill immediately place your dog on an IV line to rehydrate their body and give them round-the-clock care to boost their chances of surviving this deadly disease.

Canine parvovirus can thrive for months, so clean up all vomit and diarrhea accidents in and around your home, and do not allow other dogs on your property unless they have been vaccinated against the disease. Also give your puppy a booster for parvo regularly as recommended by your veterinarian.

Caught quickly enough, your puppy can survive canine parvovirus. Our skilled team of veterinary specialists will give your puppy the care they need throughout life. Call us at Sylvan Corners Pet Hospital today.