All About Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious infection that can affect dogs and eventually be fatal. The virus manifests itself in two different forms: the intestinal form and the cardiac form. With intestinal parvovirus, the dog will have digestive problems and may vomit or suffer from diarrhea. As well, the dog may lose weight, or become anorexic from lack of appetite. Though less common, the cardiac form of parvo is often the more dangerous. This illness attacks the heart muscles of young puppies, and will cause a cardiac arrest that can kill the animal. The illness has been reduced in the United States by early vaccination in young puppies.

If your pup is having digestive issues in combination with a fever and lethargy, then you may want to take him or her to the vet to make sure that he or she is not suffering from parvovirus. Dogs with intestinal parvovirus normally lose their ability to absorb nutrients, which causes a deteriorating health. The animal will quickly become dehydrated and weak from a lack of protein and fluid absorption. Victims normally will have red wet tissues in the mouth and eyes, and their heart rate may speed up. Dogs with parvovirus sometimes have a lower temperature than normal, which is called hypothermia.

While all dog breeds can contract the illness, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, and English Springer Spaniels are some of the breeds more susceptible to the disease. If your dog has this illness, biochemical analysis can confirm whether or not it is serious, and an abdominal radiograph may be able to determine whether or not there is intestinal obstruction. You should take your pet to the vet right away if you suspect that he or she has parvovirus. Talk to a local vet today!