vet care for a variety of animals

Parvovirus is a disease that affects dogs, usually puppies that are young in age and haven't been vaccinated against the disease. This virus affects the stomach and intestinal area and can cause all types of health issues for your dog, and if not treated properly, can end in death for your dog. This virus can live in other canines, or on objects, and be transferred from one dog to another very easily. It can also be on human hands if they handled a dog that had parvovirus and touched a dog that was not infected. Read on for further information about parvovirus, including symptoms and what you can do to prevent it.

Symptoms Of Parvovirus

Some of the signs of parvovirus you can watch out for include vomiting, diarrhea with blood, weakness, dehydration, and even depression. If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, you should take your dog to the veterinarian right away to be examined. Your dog may exhibit one or all of these symptoms, and others as well. If your dog has been around other dogs, has been eating feces that could have been affected with parvovirus, or you have been around other dogs that may have had parvovirus, you should take your dog to the veterinarian for testing and for treatment.

What You Can Do To Prevent Parvovirus

Puppies should be vaccinated against parvovirus. Be sure you are taking your dog to the veterinarian on schedule for his vaccinations. Puppies require a lot of vaccinations, as they don't have a high immune system and are susceptible to all types of viruses or diseases. You should also keep your dog away from other dogs or puppies until he has all of his vaccinations to prevent getting parvovirus or other diseases that can spread easily to your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about socializing your puppy, and when is the right time to do this with your dog. 

How Parvovirus Is Treated

Parvovirus should be treated by a professional veterinarian. Antibiotic medications may be required to treat your puppy or dog to fight off this virus. You need to keep your dog drinking and eating to keep up his strength and to help fight off the virus, as well as to prevent getting dehydrated or losing too much weight. 

Parvovirus is a common disease that affects dogs, especially puppies. Be sure you are doing what you can to take care of your puppy and get your puppy vaccinated against this disease and others. Talk to your veterinarian about other important vaccinations your puppy or dog needs.

For more questions, be sure to contact a local animal hospital.