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Parvo, Canine Parvovirus - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog

by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁹¹⁾ Blue Star

Parvo or canine parvovirus is in the news lately. Recently an increase of occurance of the disease nationwide in animal shelters has been reported and all unvaccinated dogs are at risk. Here are the things you should know about parvo.

Can all dogs get parvo? Puppies are most susceptible. Older dogs can and do get parvo, but it is crucial to vaccinate your puppy from 6 weeks through about 20 months of age.

What are the symptoms? Usually, it appears as an intestinal virus characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, dark/bloody feces. If the case is severe the pup will have a veber and its white blood cell count will be elevated.

Can humans catch it? There is a form of parvo that humans can contract, but no, you cannot catch parvo from your dog. Human parvo is a different virus.

What is the incutation period for parvo? The incubation period is between five and fourteen days during which time your dog will appear perfectly healthy.

How is parvo treated? Immediately your pup will be given fluids intravenously. Antibiotics will also be given and in some cases, corticosteroids will be given. Your puppy may be given drugs to slow vomiting eliminate worms.

Left untreated, parvo is most likely fatal. When you adopt a puppy, it is imperative to schedule a visit to the vet. Sadly, often a pet's health is the last thing considered important in tough economic times. Don't let your dog become a statistic.

Article submitted Tuesday, June 30, 2009 & read 179 times.

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» left by Gary W. Halsey Sr. (2 years 318 days ago.)

Great article Lorrie, I am very familiar with the parvo virus, not by personal experience, but a friend of mine lost an entire litter of Doberman pups by this virus. It was really bad, and the vet says the pups were "born" with it....they were bleeding from the nose, and eventually they all died....it's a nasty virus....Well written article and very informative, I didn't know that there was a human form of parvo, I reckon I'm never to old to learn!!! Thanks for the article your friend and fan....Gary
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁹¹⁾ (2 years 318 days ago.)

Hi Gary! It's good to see you online again. Thanks for reading and commenting. Wow - I never thought about pups being born with parvo. That would be horrible! I learned from you today, also. Thanks, again.

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