Parvovirus in Dogs

Parvo medical terms: Septicemia, Melena

What is Parvovirus?

Parvo is a viral infection that damages the intestines and causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. With severe dehydration, blood no longer circulates as it should and your pet may die before diarrhea develops. When the intestine is damaged, blood vessels that nourish the intestine are also damaged. The blood vessels break and blood enters the intestine. At the same time, bacteria travel from the intestines out into the blood vessels and are carried throughout the body. Just as diarrhea can cause death, an infection in the blood (septicemia) can also cause death.

Who gets the Parvovirus? Dogs develop parvo infections. Some breeds (Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, English Springer Spaniels) appear more susceptible than others to Parvo, but any stressed dog is susceptible. Dogs stressed by kenneling, being in an animal shelter, or being weaned and placed in a pet store are at risk. Poor sanitation and crowding increase the likelihood your pet can become infected with parvo. Puppies are more susceptible than adult dogs.

Prevention from the Parvovirus

Vaccinations for the Parvovirus

Vaccination helps dogs avoid symptoms of parvo infection. Many dogs vaccinated in youth maintain resistance to infection throughout life. In part, this protection is provided by antibodies made by your pet’s white blood cells.

To confirm that your pet is protected, have your veterinarian draw blood and measure the level of parvo antibodies. This antibody level, also called a titer, is one gauge of your pet’s protection to this specific disease.  Many dog day care facilities accept titer tests as proof of protection rather than requiring that dogs be re-vaccinated annually.

Probiotics for Parvo

In addition to vaccine-induced antibodies, you can help prevent Parvovirus by promoting good bacteria in your pet’s intestines. Good, healthy bacteria help your pet resist all types of infection. Feeding NaturVet Enzymes & Probiotics with probiotics is an excellent way to maintain good intestinal bacteria.

Wormers for Parvo

Prevent worm by using monthly heartworm medication that includes an intestinal dewormer. For example, use Heartgard Plus, Iverhart Plus, Interceptor, Revolution, or Sentinel. All heartworm medications require a prescription.

An alternative is to worm your puppy or adult dog 4 times a year with an over-the counter medication, such as Panacur C.

Sanitation and Avoiding Dog Feces

Do not take a young puppy without vaccine protection to pet stores, dog parks, or roadside pet elimination areas. If pets with parvo have ever defecated in these areas, the virus can persist in the soil for several years. In addition to staying in the soil, the virus can be carried away from the site of defecation on shoes, so that areas in the vicinity of where dogs have defecated can also be a source of infection.

Avoiding Stress

Pets stressed mentally or physically become ill easily because the adrenal glands secrete cortisol. Cortisol alters blood flow and it slows down disease-fighting white blood cells. Stressed, your pet’s intestines will not receive the blood, oxygen, and white blood cells they need to stay healthy. If your pet is exposed to Parvovirus, the virus has an easier time becoming established and causing illness.  Help your pet avoid stress by using ComfortZone D.A.P., a calming pheromone. Use Be Serene when traveling or making changes in the household.

The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians   Date Category Topic 05/14/06  Digestive Care  LOOSESTOOLW/MUCOUS,NOT EATING 05/11/06  Vaccines  !!! REACTION TO RABIES SHOT 05/10/06  Vaccines  4 WEEKS AND 4DAYS 05/06/06  Vaccines  SHOTS AND FLEA,TICK,MOSQUITO CONTROL 05/04/06  Vaccines  SHOTS 04/29/06  Vaccines  NEW PUPPY 04/15/06  Other  HIVES AND VOMITING 04/05/06  Digestive Care  VOMITING AND DIAREAHA 04/04/06  Other  MEDICATION 04/04/06  Vaccines  DURAMUNE VACCINE 03/29/06  Antibiotics/Anti-Infectives  MY POOR LITTLE DOG 03/27/06  Digestive Care  DOG GOT INTO TRASH NOW WILL NOT EAT 03/27/06  Vaccines  VACCINATION 03/21/06  Vaccines  PUPPIES TO THE VET 03/15/06  Digestive Care  SICK DOG. NOT SURE WHAT SHE HAS 1 2 3 4 5 »»

 

Enter question or keyword(s):              or search by pet type:  All Pet Types Dogs Cats Horses Other             TIPS: Search for answers by entering keywords, Use multiple keywords