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By: Jessica Long
Just a few weeks ago one of our own, Matthew Reel, lost his pup Luna Moon to Parvo. In this week’s blog we will learn more about Canine Parvovirus.
Canine Parvovirus, or Parvo, is a highly contagious virus that can be spread among all dogs. Dogs younger than 4 months old and unvaccinated dogs have a much higher risk of contracting this ugly virus. Parvo virus attacks the GI system of dogs. Dogs can catch the virus in many ways, most often it is spread through feces or dog to dog contact but can also be spread from feeding and drinking bowels and hands of humans who many have been in contact with a dog who is carrying the virus.
You may be wondering what are the symptoms of Parvo? Well let’s discuss that, because early intervention is vital, as most deaths happen within the first 48-72 hours that you start noticing symptoms in your dog.
Below is a list of possible Parvovirus symptoms to watch for:
1) Lethargy
2) Loss of appetite
3) Abdominal pain and bloating
4) Vomiting and Diarrhea
Some risk factors that come along with these symptoms are rapid dehydration from the pup vomiting and having severe diarrhea as well as septic shock from GI issues. Catching Parvo virus early allows you to quickly act and get your pup to the vet for proper treatment. Vaccinations, which happens for a pup around 14-16 weeks old and proper hygiene for your pet is a good way to avoid Parvo virus.
Again, from the bottom of our hearts we send our prayers and thoughts to the Reel family. We all know how our dogs become a significant part of our family and we are truly sorry that Luna Moon had to deal with this virus.
