How Do Dogs Get Parvo

Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects dogs, particularly puppies. It can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Understanding how dogs get parvo, the factors that increase the risk of infection, and how to prevent it is crucial for dog owners. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of parvo, the factors that make dogs more susceptible, and practical prevention tips to protect your furry companion.

What Is Parvo?

Parvovirus is a viral disease that primarily affects a dog’s gastrointestinal system, leading to severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration. The virus is particularly dangerous for puppies, unvaccinated dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Canine parvovirus in dogs

Poor mental state: the dog will become depressed, lacking the usual lively energy, and its response to the surrounding environment will become sluggish. 

Loss of appetite: The dog will have a decreased or even eliminated appetite and will not be interested in its favorite foods. 

Vomiting: The dog will vomit frequently, at first it may just vomit up food, later it may vomit up yellow or green liquid, and in severe cases, it may even vomit up bile or blood. 

Diarrhea: The dog will have severe diarrhea, the feces may be yellow or greyish-yellow in color, containing a lot of mucus and pseudo-membranes, and in later stages it may have bloody stools, the color of tomato juice, and accompanied by a peculiar fishy smell. 

Related: Causes and Prevention of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs

Elevated body temperature: The dog's body temperature may be elevated with signs of fever. 

Symptoms of dehydration: As a result of vomiting and diarrhea, the dog may show signs of dehydration such as deep eye sockets, loss of skin elasticity, and weight loss. 

Difficulty in breathing: In some cases, dogs may show signs of difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath, especially in young dogs. 

If your dog shows any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to take it to the pet hospital immediately for examination and treatment, as the condition of the tiny virus develops rapidly and untimely treatment may lead to the death of the dog. Meanwhile, the tiny virus is highly contagious and sick dogs need to be isolated for treatment to prevent the virus from spreading to other pets. 

Risk Factors for Parvo

1. Age

Puppies: Puppies that are not fully vaccinated (usually defined as dogs between 6 weeks and 6 months of age) are more susceptible to Canine parvovirus infection because their immune systems are not fully developed.
Adult and older dogs: Although relatively uncommon, adult and older dogs can be infected with Canine parvovirus when their immunity is compromised.

2. Vaccination status

Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated: Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs are more likely to be infected with Canine parvovirus because they lack sufficient antibodies in their bodies to fight the virus.

Vaccine failure: Improper storage of vaccines, interruption of the cold chain during transportation, interference with maternal antibodies, animals in a state of immunosuppression, stress, incubation period of infection and improper immunization procedures may all lead to vaccine failure, thus increasing the risk of infection.

3. Environmental factors

Poor sanitation: Dogs living in unclean environments are more susceptible to Canine parvovirus infection, such as places contaminated with feces from sick dogs.
Seasonal changes: Canine parvovirus may be more easily transmitted during certain seasons or climatic conditions, e.g. winter and spring7.
Change of living environment: Sudden change of living environment (e.g. moving house, boarding, etc.) may lead to stress reaction in dogs, which may increase the risk of infection.

4. Health conditions

Immunocompromised: Dogs with other diseases (e.g. congenital immunodeficiency, immunosuppressive diseases, etc.) or poor body resistance are more susceptible to Canine parvovirus infection.
Parasitic infections: Infections with internal parasites can lead to a decrease in resistance and increase the risk of Canine parvovirus infection.
Improper diet: Feeding unsuitable food (e.g. milk, chicken bones, oily food, etc.) may lead to diarrhea, which in turn increases the risk of Canine parvovirus infection.

How Do Dogs Get Parvo?

Parvovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through several channels:

1. Direct Contact with Infected Dogs: Parvo spreads through direct contact with infected dogs, including sniffing, licking, or fighting. It is particularly prevalent in areas where dogs gather, such as parks, kennels, or dog shows.

2. Fecal-Oral Transmission: The virus is present in the feces of infected dogs and can survive for weeks or even months in the environment. If an unvaccinated dog comes into contact with contaminated feces, either by sniffing or licking the ground, it can contract parvo. 

3. Indirect contact: People, flies, cockroaches, lice, etc. can be mechanical carriers of the virus. For example, after a person comes into contact with a sick dog, the virus may attach to his clothes and shoes and then spread the virus to a healthy dog when he comes into contact with him again; flies and cockroaches can also spread the virus by staying on a sick dog's feces and then flying into the food or living environment of a healthy dog.

4. Contaminated Objects and Surfaces: Parvo can also survive on contaminated objects, such as food and water bowls, leashes, bedding, and even shoes. If an infected dog’s belongings are used by another dog, the virus can spread.

5. Airborne Transmission: While rare, parvo can be spread through the air in very close quarters or in poorly ventilated areas, though it’s primarily transmitted via direct or indirect contact.

How to Treat Canine Parvovirus in Dogs?

The treatment for dogs with Canine parvovirus includes the following.

1. Isolation

Dogs suspected or confirmed to have Canine parvovirus should be immediately isolated from other dogs to prevent the spread of infection.

2.Medication

There is no specific treatment to eliminate the virus; treatment is based on supportive care and includes:

• Fluid and electrolyte therapy 

Oral electrolyte solutions (used to replace sodium and potassium lost through the intestinal tract) can be used in dogs with mild dehydration and no history of vomiting. Veterinarians of dogs with severe symptoms typically treat with intravenous fluids.
For example, rehydration with compounded sodium chloride and dextrose may be used, along with supplementation with nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, inosine, and ATP.

• Nutritional support 

It was previously thought that food and water should be stopped until the vomiting subsided. Providing nutrition earlier has now been shown to be associated with earlier improvement in the dog's condition, weight gain, and improved bowel function. Your veterinarian may place a feeding tube on a dog that will not eat on its own. Once the vomiting has stopped for 12 - 24 hours, the dog can be slowly put on a lighter diet (such as a prescription diet) with smaller meals. If the dog is able to eat the food without vomiting, the light diet usually lasts for 1 - 2 weeks, after which time the dog can be gradually returned to the dog's regular diet. If symptoms become severe again after feeding, a veterinarian should be consulted.

• Anti-vomiting medication 

Persistent vomiting can be controlled with prescription medications such as the use of 654 - 2 injections or Gastrografin intramuscularly.

• Antibiotics

Antibiotics such as gentamicin, erythromycin, and kanamycin can be added in cases where secondary bacterial infection may be present.

• Antiviral therapy

Injections of monoclonal antibodies to Canine parvovirus and antiviral serum, when used early in the course of the disease and in conjunction with symptomatic treatment, have been shown to have good efficacy, but their use in its later stages is of little significance.

• Symptomatic treatment 

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Such as antidiarrheal (for dogs that have stopped bloody stools, but still have diarrhea and can eat, antidiarrheal drugs can be given), leukocyte elevation (use some drugs to elevate leukocytes when white blood cells are lowered), haemostasis (use hemocoagulase, vitamin K1, etc. when blood in stools is serious), and so on.

3. Other treatment measures

Provide fresh air: Make sure the dog stays in a dry, well-ventilated environment to help its respiratory system regain health.
Provide sufficient rest: Ensure that the dog has sufficient rest time to help its body recover.
Owner's companionship: Owner's companionship is also important. Dogs may be depressed during illness, and owners can help recovery by talking to and encouraging them more often.

Precautions

1. Any medication needs to be under the guidance of a pet doctor.
2. Keep your dog warm during treatment.
3. When the dog's condition improves and starts to eat, it is necessary to eat small meals and slowly increase the amount of food, so as not to suddenly eat too much and cause gastrointestinal discomfort, which may lead to re-expanded diarrhea; after feeding, the dog can be given food mother's milk or multi-enzyme tablets to help digestion.
4. Sick dogs should not be fed until at least 24 hours after vomiting and diarrhea have stopped and there is no bloody stool.
5. Keep the dog warm in winter. Dogs should not be bathed immediately after illness and kennels should be thoroughly disinfected.

Also Read: How To Treat Parvo At Home

FAQs

Conclusion

Parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious infection, but it’s also preventable with proper vaccination, hygiene, and responsible pet care. By understanding how dogs get parvo and implementing preventive measures, you can protect your dog from this deadly virus. Always consult your veterinarian for advice on the best way to keep your dog healthy and safe.