Parvovirus: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Pet

Parvo, short for parvovirus, is a highly contagious condition that can be lethal when contracted by puppies. The disease works by destroying cells in the small intestines with devastating consequences to the puppy. It also affects bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues and may affect the puppy’s heart.

Symptoms of parvo may include:

• Loss of Appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Bloody Diarrhea (severe)
• Weight Loss
• Dehydration (may be extreme)

Puppies are most vulnerable to parvovirus between the ages of six weeks and six months. Prompt vet care can mean the difference between life and death if your puppy has parvo. However, make sure you let your vet know that you suspect parvo when scheduling your appointment so that proper precautions can be taken to avoid spreading the disease to other puppies under your vet’s care.

Protecting Your Pet from Parvovirus Begins with Great Veterinarian Care

While parvo is devastating it is not always lethal. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that with early detection and aggressive treatment survival rates are nearly 90 percent. But you should call your veterinarian at the first signs of trouble as death typically occurs within 48-72 hour of the onset of symptoms.When it comes to parvovirus, prevention is the best cure.

The first step in protecting your puppies from parvo happens before they are born – with their mothers. Vaccinating the mother against parvo as a puppy means that she will pass on antibodies that will protect the puppies for the first six weeks of life until they can receive their first vaccinations.

At six weeks, it is critical to bring your puppy to Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center for the first round of vaccinations that will protect your pet from parvovirus. We will work with you to schedule follow-up vaccinations to ensure that your puppy is well-protected for life against parvovirus and a wide range of other conditions.

Contact Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center Today!

We are proud to serve Collierville, Piperton and surrounding areas, so call Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center today at 901-853-8519 if you suspect parvovirus or if it is time for your puppy to begin vaccination protocols. We are happy to answer any questions or address your concerns.