What Is Parvo Disease In Dogs | Parvo Treatments

Parvo disease in dogs, also known as canine parvovirus, is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects puppies. This virus attacks the rapidly dividing cells in a dog's body, focusing on the intestinal lining, leading to severe symptoms. Without prompt treatment, parvo disease can be fatal.

What is Parvo Disease in Dogs?

Parvo disease is caused by the canine parvovirus, which spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated objects such as food bowls, clothing, or even human hands. This virus is exceptionally resilient, surviving on surfaces for months, making it easy for dogs to contract.

Parvo Symptoms in Dogs

Recognizing the early symptoms of parvo disease in dogs can be life-saving. Common signs include:

• Severe vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody)
• Lethargy and extreme tiredness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Fever or low body temperature
• Dehydration, leading to dry gums or skin

If your dog shows any of these parvo symptoms, immediate veterinary care is essential.

Parvo Treatment for Dogs

There is no direct cure for canine parvovirus, but supportive care is critical in managing the symptoms and helping the dog’s immune system recover. Common treatment methods include:

• Intravenous fluids to combat severe dehydration
• Medications to control vomiting and diarrhea
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
• Nutritional support to maintain energy levels

Since parvo severely weakens a dog's immune system, hospitalization is often necessary to provide intensive care. During this time, maintaining a clean environment is crucial to preventing further complications. Disinfecting your home, especially the areas where your dog spends time, is important to stop the spread of the virus to other animals.

At Planet Pets, our Zap Kennel Wash is designed to help sanitize your dog's living space, removing harmful bacteria and viruses, including parvovirus. Regularly cleaning kennels, bedding, and other surfaces can reduce the risk of reinfection or spreading the virus to other dogs, ensuring a safer recovery for your pet.

Using Zap Kennel Wash during and after treatment ensures your dog's environment stays virus-free and contributes to their overall health and recovery.

Preventing Parvo Disease in Dogs

The best way to protect your dog from parvo disease is through regular vaccination. Puppies should receive a series of vaccines starting at six weeks old, followed by boosters until they are fully protected by 16-20 weeks. Adult dogs should also get regular booster shots.

Other preventive measures include:

• Limiting exposure to unknown dogs until your puppy is fully vaccinated
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces where dogs frequent
• Using kennel sanitizers, such as Zap Kennel Wash, to reduce the risk of contamination

At Planet Pets, we offer a variety of products like Zap Kennel Wash to help keep your dog’s environment clean and free of harmful viruses, including canine parvovirus.

Parvo and Planet Pets: Keeping Your Dog Safe

At Planet Pets, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for your pets. That’s why we provide products like Zap Kennel Wash, specifically designed to disinfect areas prone to viruses like parvo disease in dogs. Keeping your dog’s living space sanitized is a crucial step in prevention.

Does Parvo Affect Humans

No, parvo disease in dogs does not affect humans. Canine parvovirus is species-specific, meaning it only infects dogs. While humans and other animals, like cats, can carry the virus on their clothing or skin and transmit it to dogs, the virus itself does not cause illness in people.

However, there is a human parvovirus called parvovirus B19, which causes a condition known as fifth disease, mainly in children. This is unrelated to the canine version and does not affect dogs.

Conclusion

Parvo disease in dogs is a serious illness, but with early detection, proper treatment, and preventive care, your dog can recover and lead a healthy life. Make sure your pets are up to date on their vaccinations and keep their surroundings clean using quality disinfectants. Visit Planet Pets for more information on keeping your pets safe and healthy.