Identified more than 40 years ago, canine parvovirosis PVC, also called parvovirus, is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs, especially puppies, and requires urgent veterinary attention in order to prevent the death of the animal.

Next, we will know more about this terrible disease and how it can be prevented from spreading. Parvoviruses are viruses that attack, to a greater extent, small dogs from six weeks after birth, this is due to the loss of maternal immunity. For the virus to achieve its development requires certain factors that are present in cells in mitosis, so usually attack in the stage of growth of the dog.

The disease is less frequent in adult dogs due, in part, to the fact that they are already vaccinated, hence those who have not been immunized by vaccination have a higher risk of infection. Some dog breeds tend to be more susceptible to the spread of parvovirus, including the Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Doberman, Pinscher and the Argentine Doge, to name just a few.

The development of parvovirus in dogs

The parvovirus incubation period is approximately five days, with the first ten days being the most critical for the animal’s health. This disease is transmitted by the contact of the animals with the virus, through the fecal remains of infected dogs. The presence of parvovirus in the stool is due to the fact that it can survive long periods of time as a result of its great resistance to extreme environmental conditions.

When the virus enters the body of the puppy, the first symptoms are of decay, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Dehydration occurs rapidly due to diarrhea and vomiting, so the dog can die within 72 hours. The speed and severity with which this disease acts require that it is essential to go to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible, to receive emergency care.

The diagnosis of parvovirus infection is made by the veterinarian through observation and laboratory tests. From there, you must make the necessary efforts to combat dehydration and control diarrhea, preventing any type of infection through antibiotics. The control of temperature and the supply of liquids are essential to increase the life expectancy of the animal.

The best defense against parvovirus: prevention

Like the great majority of viral infections, there is no specific treatment for canine parvovirus, so prevention is essential to keep the dog healthy. For this, the schedule of vaccination established by the veterinarian must be followed strictly, in order to reach a sufficient quantity of antibodies that protect them from the disease.

The cleaning and disinfection of the area inhabited by our pet is also a determining factor for the control of parvovirus dispersion. The veterinarian can tell us about the appropriate products that we can use for the sterilization of the area.