Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Dogs have their own unique way of adding joy to our lives. They give that sense of companionship, and it’s no surprise that owning a four-legged friend has several benefits!
Some studies have even shown that dogs can be responsible for letting their owners have a longer life, have healthier hearts, and generally much more pleased with their lives. It’s just a fact!
This is why it’s totally understandable to have certain questions relating to topics such as puppy vaccinations, adult dogs and their temperaments, different tips for an owner to make the most out of their dog training, what some of the best dog foods are, what exercises work best for our canine, among others!
Another thing that is considered a common topic among pet parents is the idea of their pet having parvo.
Now, if you’re a new dog owner, then you’re probably wondering, “What is parvo?”
And I believe that the questions don’t stop there.
“What should I do if my dog has parvo?”
“What are the signs that my dog is an infected animal?”
“Can a vaccinated dog get parvo?”
“My dogs have strong immune systems. Will they still get parvo?”
I’m more than glad you asked!
In this feature, we will be covering an overview of the parvovirus infections, the cure or workaround for such viruses, and how you can show supportive care for an affected pet.
Let’s get right into it!
What Is Parvo In Dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club, parvo in dogs is a highly contagious virus. It is known to cause an infectious gastrointestinal (GI) illness in puppies and young dogs. Parvo, right off the bat, must not be taken lightly. Without proper treatment, it can possibly be a lethal situation.
Now, I can almost hear you thinking, “Right, another virus. Shouldn’t preventive measures be readily available and accessible to lessen the risk?”
Well, at some angle, you may be correct. But let me explain that what makes parvo alarming is that it is easily spread throughout canines.
How Is It Spread?
Canine parvovirus is known to be spread either by direct contact with infected dogs or even through feces. The infected dog can also begin shedding the virus four to five days after being exposed to canine parvovirus.
Signs Of Parvo
Infected dogs may show symptoms such as lethargy, severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, weakness, dehydration, and loss of appetite or weight loss.
Can My Vaccinated Dog Still Get Parvo?
Unfortunately, yes.
Vaccinated dogs can be spared from other sorts of complications, but the symptoms of parvo can still appear, as the said virus is known to have different strains, and has a tendency of reinventing itself.
I know, it’s quite difficult to digest that despite your intensive care measures, the virus can still affect your four-legged friend.
How To Treat Parvo
Before tackling this, it’s important to know that in battling parvo, the first thing you need to be aware of is that dehydration is your worst enemy. Electrolyte imbalance plays a crucial role in the nuisance of parvo, for both an unvaccinated puppy, and even in vaccinated adult dogs.
And just like in any complication, your first option should always be to pay your trusted veterinarian a visit. Since parvo is a potentially fatal case, it’s always best to seek help from a licensed professional.
Additionally, it helps to be aware that treating parvo involves the administration of approved antibiotics, fluids, and other various medications that are approved, depending on the severity of your dog’s case.
The Wrap-Up: Avoiding Parvo
As always, vaccinated dogs are somewhat one step ahead of the virus. Although they are not guaranteed to be immune to the said virus, it still helps to ensure that they have the proper vaccination needed, and as much as possible, keep them away from areas that have unvaccinated dogs. Additionally, a fair amount of training, exercise, and socialization should be monitored to ensure your dog has little to no risk at all of the potentially lethal virus.
