Parvo

Parvo Virus: Parvo is the #1 killer of puppies and is extremely contagious. The virus is spread through contact with the feces and/or bodily fluids of an infected dog. It can be carried on the skin, clothing, bedding, shoes of people, food and water bowls, and toys...basically any surface. Puppies are the most severely infected and survival rate is low.

Symptoms: Severe diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, severe depression, and animal may be in pain. An animal may be infected, but the symptoms may not show up for a couple of weeks.

Prevention: Annual vaccination administered by a veterinarian which may be in combination (with distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, adenovirus and parainfluenza). The first vaccination should be given at six to eight weeks of age, repeated every 3 weeks until the puppy reaches 16 weeks old, followed by a booster once a year.

Treatment: Take animal to veterinarian immediately. There is no cure or treatment for parvo, but animals may be nursed through it with fluids and other supportive treatments which increase the chances of survival. Often hospitalization is necessary and can be very costly.