Dog Owners Warned of 'Easily Transmitted' Viral Threat to Puppies

A veterinarian has warned dog owners about the "easily transmitted" canine parvovirus as spring begins.

Parvovirus is a very contagious and potentially deadly disease that affects dogs and wolves. And as puppies are born this spring, Kathleen Aicher, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is warning owners to be vigilant.

In an article posted by Texas A&M, Aicher said that vaccinations are the main way to protect dogs against contracting the serious disease. The virus works by attacking a dog's intestines. This can prevent it from absorbing vital nutrients, causing the dog to become weak. Symptoms include diarrhea with blood in it, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever.

"Parvovirus is very easily transmitted between dogs because it takes very little exposure to cause infection, and dogs who are infected can shed the virus for a few days before they exhibit symptoms, unknowingly exposing other dogs to the virus," Aicher said in the article.

"The virus is also very resistant to extreme temperatures and cleaning, so it can remain in the environment for a long time, putting dogs at further risk," she wrote.

Puppies are more at risk of the virus because their immune systems have not yet become fully developed. It is possible to save a dog who has contracted parvovirus, but this requires very quick and intensive care.

Aicher said most dogs that end up contracting the virus have not been vaccinated or have not completed their vaccination schedule.

"Puppies may get some initial parvovirus protection by antibodies from the mother, if she is vaccinated, but it is unknown how long this protection might last," she continued. "For these reasons, there are well-established vaccine schedule guidelines that veterinarians follow to keep puppies protected during the time that they are most vulnerable to infection."

It is highly recommended that dog owners keep their puppies away from areas with many dogs before they have completed their vaccinations. Ideally, initial vaccinations should be given to puppies between 6 and 8 weeks old, Aicher said.

"If owners want to begin training their puppy in a class with other owners and puppies, they may be able to find places in which there is a policy of only allowing healthy, vaccinated puppies and that practice effective and regular disinfection of the facility," she wrote. "Owners might also bring their puppy to spend time with fully vaccinated, healthy adult dogs who belong to friends or family members."

Although the parvovirus is very serious, some owners are unaware of the symptoms and treatment, meaning their dogs are at greater risk.

"Many veterinary hospitals will treat any sick puppy as a parvovirus suspect until proven otherwise, which means they might wear protective gear, use a special exam room, or want to test your puppy for parvo before bringing them into the hospital," Aicher said. "The typical test for parvovirus is very easy to perform and results can be obtained very quickly."

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