Parvo

Parvo is a very serious virus that dogs can get. It is highly contagious and can be life threatening.

How would I know if my dog has parvo?

Dogs with parvo will usually be very sick. They will usually be vomiting and have bloody diarrhoea. Dogs with parvo will often stop eating, lose weight and be very lethargic.

How does parvo spread?

Parvo is highly contagious. It is spread in the faeces of dogs infected with the virus. The virus can be carried and spread by any person, animal or object that comes into contact with the virus. It can live and be carried in the hair of an infected pet, on our shoes or even on food bowls. It is a very robust virus that can live in the environment for a long time.

Are some dogs more likely to get parvo?

Parvo is more common in unvaccinated young puppies but unvaccinated dogs of any age can get the disease.

Is parvo treatable?

There is no specific treatment for parvovirus. Dogs with parvo are given treatment to help support their immune system as they fight the virus. Dogs with parvo can be supported with fluids, antibiotics and other medication. This supportive treatment can be very expensive. Supportive treatment is not always successful and some dogs will not survive.

Can I prevent my dog from getting parvo?

Vaccinating your pet against parvo is the best way to try prevent them from getting the virus. It is very important that the first course of vaccinations are given correctly and that yearly booster vaccinations are given after that. The vaccinations should always be given by your Vet to make sure they are given in line with the manufacturer recommendations.

If your puppy is too young for vaccinations or hasn’t finished the course of vaccinations yet it is extremely important to keep them away from other dogs particularly unvaccinated dogs. Avoid public areas where other dogs often go such as parks. The virus spreads in faeces but remember it can also be carried on shoes or objects.

What should I do if I think my dog has parvo?

If you think your dog has parvo you should contact your vet immediately.

What should I do if I don’t know if my pet has been fully vaccinated?

If you’re not sure or can’t remember if your pet has been properly vaccinated, contact your veterinary clinic to see if they have a record of when the last vaccination was done. They will be able to advise you then on when the next vaccine is due. If there are no vaccination records you will need to restart the vaccination course, your vet will be able to advise you on this.

It is very important if you are getting a new puppy to make sure that the breeder gives you a vaccination cert that is stamped and signed by a Veterinary Surgeon.