Parvovirus: a deadly threat for your dog
You have no doubt heard of a canine epidemic that has been ravaging the South-East of France for several weeks: parvovirus. The virus is very virulent… Several dogs have already been affected. Veterinarians call for vigilance. If you are going on vacation with your dog on the Mediterranean side in the next few days or weeks: watch out for your dog!
Before you panic, let me explain what parvovirus is. In this article, we will take stock of how to protect your dog and especially how to recognize the symptoms and act in the event of contamination.
Parvovirus: what is it?
Parvovirus was discovered in 1978. Parvovirus is a viral infectious disease, very contagious and can be fatal for our dog friends. This canine disease is caused by the canine parvovirus. This disease is the cause of the death of thousands of dogs in the world. It is also called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Fortunately, since 1978 a vaccine has been discovered to fight against this cursed virus! It is a disease that affects animals such as dogs, wolves or foxes but apparently not humans.
Musher and Sophie : “If your dog is vaccinated: don't panic! To check if this is the case, look for the CHPL logo on your dog's health record. Remember to look that it is up to date. I just checked for my dog: everything is ok for Musher. Phew! ”
A lack of the vaccination protocol could be at the origin of this upsurge in parvovirus, in the south-east of France... Many masters have stopped having their pet vaccinated thinking that the threat was far away except that it made it possible to come back strong!
This virus is very resistant… It can resist for months outside, regardless of the temperature, as well as many disinfectants.
The main victims of this disease are puppies, unvaccinated adult dogs and dogs in communities (breeding, shelter, etc.).
It is a rapidly fatal disease for your dog. It can take your dog away in 2-5 days.
Contamination mainly takes place in the external environment. Your dog can be contaminated by licking, eating the stools or vomit of a sick dog, drinking water from a sick dog, or coming into contact with contaminated equipment, clothing, shoes (…).
Parvovirus destroys the animal's white blood cells: its immune defenses are weaker and the dog catches other infections, which complicates its recovery and reduces its chances of survival.
Symptoms of Parvovirus in Dogs
Once your dog comes into contact with the virus, it grows very quickly. The incubation period of this virus in dogs is on average 4 to 7 days. Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, loss of appetite, signs of depression in your dog (…) are all symptoms of this disease that should alert you! The classic form of this disease is severe gastroenteritis.
If you notice any of these symptoms: consult your veterinarian immediately! It's a veterinary emergency. When you arrive at the office, your veterinarian will test your dog to confirm the diagnosis.
There are two types of tests:
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A “serological screening” test. This test is done through a blood test and concerns unvaccinated dogs.
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A stool test to highlight the potential disease.
The treatment of the disease always requires hospitalization with intensive care, in order to eliminate the virus: infusion, antibiotic, anti-emetics…
Precautions to take
To avoid parvovirus, precautions must be taken because it is a disease that spreads quickly, especially since vaccinated and cured animals can be carriers without developing clinical signs and can therefore continue to infect other dogs.
If you notice any symptoms and your veterinarian confirms the diagnosis, it is imperative that you no longer walk your dog in public places until recovery (park, street, etc.): be content with your garden to avoid spreading the viruses!
Same thing if your dog is not vaccinated against this disease, avoid all contact with other dogs: so as not to be contaminated until his vaccination.
Parvovirus is often fatal to puppies that are newborn or a few weeks old. For puppies, the vaccination will only be effective after the animal is 12 months old. In the meantime, isolation is essential!
In general: the best prevention against this disease seems to be the vaccine. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for the best advice.
The final word
Les Wouafer's, if you are going on vacation with your dog in the south of France in the coming weeks or if you live in this beautiful region of France: take care of your dog's health! At the slightest symptom: GO to your veterinarian!
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