The charity PDSA is warning dog owners that even being in their garden can be dangerous
A top vets charity has warned dog owners to look out for symptoms of a deadly virus which can cause a number of symptoms in their pets, including one that appears in the mouth. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) says that as owners take their dogs out for walks – or even let them out in the back garden for play or the toilet – they could be at risk.
Talking about parvovirus, they say it can cause “severe illness and death in dogs. It damages the lining of the guts, resulting in severe diarrhoea and vomiting. It also attacks infection-fighting cells within the bone marrow, which weakens the immune system.”
They note that the “highly contagious virus” can live for many years in the environment – and there is only one way to protect them. The experts say you need to ensure that your puppy and dog is vaccinated “regularly throughout their life.”
What is parvovirus?
Commonly known as parvo, canine parvovirus (CPV) attacks the intestinal lining, leading to severe vomiting and diarrhea. It also affects infection-fighting cells in the bone marrow, weakening the immune system and making recovery particularly difficult for dogs.
This can be “particularly dangerous for unvaccinated dogs and puppies under six months old”, they further warn. This is because their underdeveloped immune system can make it harder for them to combat the virus.
What are the symptoms of parvo in dogs?
Symptoms of parvovirus usually take three to seven days to appear and include:
- Severe diarrhoea (foul smelling, watery and bloody)
- Vomiting
- Severely low energy (lethargy)
- A very high, or very low temperature
- Pale gums
- Abdominal (tummy) pain
- Reduced appetite
How can my dog get parvo?
Your dog may contract parvovirus while exploring its surroundings such as at a park or even your garden. Infected dogs shed the virus in their faeces within three to four days of infection, and it remains contagious for several weeks after symptoms disappear.
Unfortunately, the virus can survive in the environment for months or even years, making it prevalent in areas dogs visit, such as parks, gardens and fields. It can also spread through contaminated dirt, affecting shoes, homes, dog leads, collars, bowls, clothing, toys, and even human hands.
Can a dog die from parvo?
Since there is no cure, dogs with parvovirus require intensive care and prompt medication. Without treatment, the virus can be fatal. According to PDSA, a dog’s chances of surviving are significantly higher if they receive veterinary care as soon as symptoms appear.
They explain: “Dogs that receive prompt intensive care whilst hospitalised in a veterinary practice are much more likely to survive but, unfortunately, due to the seriousness of parvovirus, some die even with treatment. Parvovirus is nearly always fatal without treatment. Puppies are more at risk of dying, especially those less than two weeks old.”
