Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system.
It is incredibly hardy; it can survive in the environment even through cold winters.
How Does it Spread?
Dogs don’t need to meet another dog to catch Parvo. It spreads through:
- Contaminated waste: Contact with the faeces of an infected dog.
- The environment: Walking on a patch of grass where an infected dog was weeks ago.
- Human contact: You can accidentally bring the virus into your home on your clothes or the soles of your shoes.
The Warning Signs
Parvo moves fast. A dog can go from seemingly healthy to dangerously ill in just a few hours. Watch out for:
- Severe, strong-smelling diarrhoea: Often bloody or very dark.
- Persistent vomiting: Usually leading to rapid dehydration.
- Extreme lethargy: Your dog may be unable to get up or seem very depressed.
- Loss of appetite: Complete refusal of food and water.
- High fever: The body temperature increases to try to fight off the infection.
The Power of Prevention: Vaccination
The good news is that we have a very effective tool against this virus – vaccination.
- Puppies need a course of injections (usually starting at 6–8 weeks) and should not go on public ground until they are fully covered.
- Adult dogs require regular boosters to keep their immunity strong.
If you aren’t sure if your dog’s boosters are up to date, please give us a call. It is far easier (and much cheaper) to prevent Parvo than it is to treat it.
What to Do if You Suspect Parvo
If your dog shows symptoms, call us immediately.
Please do not bring your dog straight into the waiting room. Because the virus is so contagious, we will give you specific instructions on where to park and how we will meet you to prevent the virus from spreading to other dogs in the clinic.
At The Vet Clinic at Birmingham Dogs Home, we see firsthand how devastating this virus can be. Let’s work together to keep all dogs safe through regular vaccinations and quick action.
