Vaccination – The Only Way To Save Your Pup From Parvo

Dog Vaccination

Parvo is a disease that leads to fatal conditions and untimely death in adult dogs as well as puppies. The virus generally attacks either the gastrointestinal tract of the dog or the heart muscles, of which the latter is more deadly and often leads to early demise in dogs. Puppies are more vulnerable to contract the severe form which attacks the heart. Canine Parvovirus Type 2 (Parvo) is supposed to have originated from the mutation of panleukopenia virus that mainly affects the feline family. Dogs that have the virulent strain of the two forms are likely to die if not already vaccinated. This makes the disease all the more devastating. Vaccinating your pet against this virus is the only way to increase their chances of survival and protect them from uncalled-for situation. Read on to understand the symptoms, the way it spreads and the vaccination available to prevent its occurrence.

How does Parvovirus Spread in Dogs?

The name itself is explanatory. Parvo, being a virus spreads through contact.  Your pet is susceptible to this disease if it comes in direct contact with the already infected dog, or indirectly through its organic remains viz. feces, vomit or blood. It can also spread through the contaminated soil in the parks where your dog strolls. The virus is resistant to climate changes and thus can survive for over a year in the environment. Dog shelters and breeding kennels are more prone to having this deadly virus because of the unprotected and improperly vaccinated puppies.

Symptoms Related to CPV

Canine Parvo Virus reduces the nutrient absorption ability of the body and thus, a dog suffering from this disease will feel weak and dehydrated. Other symptoms include – fever, vomiting, loss of muscle control, noticeable weight loss, and in severe cases it leads to bloody diarrhoea and anorexia as well.

Diagnosis

To ensure if the dog is affected with Parvo, a vet may conduct whole lot of tests viz. biochemical test, abdominal ultrasounds, abdominal radiographs and urine analysis. A complete blood profile is checked for deducing the presence of virus in the dog’s body.

Vaccination For CPV

Canine Parvovirus Vaccine is the preventive treatment instituted subcutaneously via injection. A professional assistance must be needed to administer the drug appropriately.  Puppies that are generally 6 to 16 weeks old require three vaccinations in every three to four weeks. One additional dose of vaccine is given after a year, as a booster. However, if the dog is older than 16 weeks, two vaccines are administered instead of one in the same time frame, as of pups.

An already sick dog, a pregnant mother or the one that has low immunity are however, not recommended to be vaccinated. Many other factors are evaluated by the vet before administering the vaccination to a dog. Thus, vet plays a crucial role in advising when a dog is ready to get vaccinated.

Conclusion

Parvo has compromised the lives of millions of dogs across the globe. Unprotected or poorly vaccinated canines contract Parvo quite easily from their surroundings. There is no other treatment available for this virus. Hence, vaccination is the only way to secure your pet from this terrible and rampant disease that squeezes life out of him, brutally. A weak pet is more prone to contract this virus, thus, it is extremely important to feed him a well-balanced meal and necessary supplements that eliminate any nutrient deficiency in his body. A healthy pet certainly has a stronger immune system and is therefore at a lesser risk of contracting the virus. So make a diet plan for your pet and ask the vet for the supplements he needs, if any.