Every puppy parent experiences it. Suddenly, you’re the most popular person in the world. Strangers stop you on the street to pet your puppy. The neighbor you never met just happens to stop by to welcome your new “fur baby.” Puppies bring out the best in everybody. So the temptation to parade your new puppy around the dog park is understandable. But, as any veterinarian will tell you, it’s best to restrict your puppy from public outdoor areas until he’s at least four months old and has received his full canine parvovirus vaccination regime.  That’s because canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), more commonly called “parvo” is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that attacks dividing cells (mainly in the bone marrow and intestines) of puppies and dogs who are not vaccinated.

Since the virus has been around for such a long time and because it’s so hardy, the safest assumption to make is that it can be everywhere outside of areas that you can clean and disinfect yourself. That means pet stores, sidewalks, puppy training classes and even other dogs are potential risks for young or unvaccinated puppies. Obviously, infected dogs are the most virulent source of infection but this resilient virus can live for long periods of time in conditions from extreme heat to freezing cold. Thus it’s important to wash clothes and shoes that may have been exposed to the virus to prevent contaminating new environments (i.e. your house!).

Most vets will take the time to inform new pet parents about the dangers and symptoms of parvo virus for their new puppies. Considering that the majority of deaths from parvo occurs in just 48-72 hours from the first sign of symptoms, immediate veterinary care is essential to save a dog’s life.  Common parvo symptons include:

-          Lethargic

-          Refusing to eat

-          Fever

-          Vomiting

-          Severe bloody diarrhea

-          Dehydration

If you suspect that your puppy has parvo, your veterinarian will likely confirm the diagnosis with a specialized fecal test. To date no mainstream medications exist to combat the virus directly, so your vet will give supportive care to treat against the two main risks: dehydration and systemic bacterial infection. The mainstays of parvo treatment are intravenous fluid therapy and antibiotics, both of which can be required for many days. To avoid the risk of exposing other dogs to the virus, infected pets are held in an isolation unit during treatment. Infected dogs should also have their toys, bowls, bedding and accessories disinfected with a bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 30 parts water).

Every year, Petplan receives claims for puppies and dogs who were infected with parvovirus and became gravely ill or have even died. Timely vaccination is key in preventing parvovirus infection. Work with your veterinarian and their team to make sure that any dog that you adopt or buy has had the appropriate vaccines and is scheduled to receive the their boosters. Responsible breeders and shelters will have records of all of the vaccines that pets have received while in their care. Once your pet is vaccinated, ensure that you boost your pets vaccines (usually every three years for pets two years and older) or perform annual titers to test that your pet has adequate immunity to parvovirus.

For more information on preventing and treating parvo, ask your vet or check out the helpful content available at the American Veterinary Medical Association.