Common Viruses

Parvovirus

Parvo ... A Threat?

Make no mistake, Parvovirus is a very deadly threat to unvaccinated dogs. It is so infectious that anyone or any moving object can become a carrier of Parvo simply by coming into contact with an infected dog's stool. Parvo can live in the environment for six months to one year, it can survive extreme heat and subzero temperatures. This means the virus might remain long after the fecal material is removed. Peoples shoes and animals paws can pick up and carry the virus.

What If My Dog Gets Parvovirus?

See your veterinarian as soon as possible. Medications and treatment procedures are available to control the complications of the disease. The death toll among Parvo victims has been significantly reduced particularly when it is properly diagnosed and treated.

Symptoms

Vomiting, severe diarrhea (often tinged with blood or mucus) are usually accompanied with depression, loss of appetite, and high fever (104-106 degrees).

Note:The normal temperature for a dog is 100.5-102.5.

What Can I Do To Prevent Parvovirus?

Here are a few tips and things you can do to prevent Parvo:

• Be sure that your dog or puppy is properly immunized, and that the immunization level is maintained by regular boosters.
• Minimize contact with strange dogs or puppies and places frequently visited by other dogs.
• Promptly remove any fecal material around or in your yard. Disinfect the area regularly with bleach/water solution.
• Ask your veterinarian for advise, particularly if you plan to travel with your dog.

Can I Catch Parvo?

While canine Parvovirus rarely effects humans, more often we spread it by carrying the virus on our feet or shoe

Coronavirus

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a disease that causes gastroenteritis. The virus attacks the cells in the wall of the intestine causing malabsorption.

How is Coronavirus transmitted?

This virus is transmitted through feces, it is highly contagious for a period of one to four days and can be shed through feces for two weeks following the infection. The virus can then live in the soil for long periods of time. Dogs that are most susceptible to this disease include, those that go to public places, kenneled, or groomed.

What are the signs of Coronavirus?

Coronavirus symptoms include, diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, depression, lethargy, and dehydration.

Is there a cure?

At this time there is no cure for Coronavirus. It is diagnosed on clinical signs and treated symptomatically. Treatment can include; fluids to prevent dehydration, and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection. Dogs can survive Coronavirus, but it can be fatal.

What can I do to prevent Coronavirus?

There is a vaccine to protect against Coronavirus. It begins with a series of two injections, three weeks apart and then an annual booster. Call your veterinarian to have your dog vaccinated against Coronavirus