Canine Parvovirus

Dogs can contract Parvovirus from contaminated vomit and faeces. The virus is very resilient, surviving for months to even a year in the environment, making it widespread and easy to encounter outdoors.

Symptoms of Parvovirus can be similar to other digestive diseases, making it hard to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Common signs include fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, and sometimes bloody diarrhea. When examined by a vet, dogs with Parvovirus often have pale gums, a fever or very low temperature and tummy pain.

The most common way to diagnose Parvovirus is with a Parvovirus antigen test kit. This test detects the virus in a dog's faeces and is both quick and affordable. However, sometimes the test can give false negative results. In such cases, further tests can be run by external labs.

As soon as the pet is showing symptoms even if they are mild.

The best treatment for Parvovirus involves hospitalisation and a fluid drip. Additional supportive care includes: Anti-nausea medication to reduce vomiting, which helps prevent fluid loss and encourages feeding. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections that can enter through the weakened gut and persist due to a compromised immune system. Nutritional support sometimes using a feeding tube inserted through the nose into the stomach, providing essential nutrients for gut healing. Painkillers relieve abdominal discomfort. Antiparasitic medication as soon as the dog can tolerate it, as intestinal parasites are common in puppies with CPV. Isolation and cleaning to prevent spreading the virus to other pets. Owners should thoroughly clean their homes to eliminate the virus. Warmth to improve poor blood circulation and keep them comfortable.

Vaccinations are extremely effective. Vaccines start when they are a puppy and continue throughout their life every year.

Parvovirus is a serious and potentially fatal disease. However, dogs that are fully vaccinated and older than six months have a much better chance of recovery, as they tend to have milder symptoms. To maintain immunity, it is still essential to follow early vaccination schedules.