Parvo or (ParvoVirus) is a viral disease in dogs. With the pet population being close to 75 million in the US alone. Apr. 37,000 or 1 in 500 dogs die each year from this deadly disease. If caught early the survival rate is 50/50. There are ways to prevent this from happening to your best friend.
Types of Parvo
There are two forms of Parvo. One that can effect the heart muscle of very young puppies leading to “sudden death” and the other effects the intestinal tract. Both are toxic and often fatal if the Parvovirus is not caught in time.
Signs and Symptoms
One day your rambunctious friend will be playing ball and the next day he/she is refusing to eat or drink any water. Pets who have contracted the deadly disease may vomit , and become lethargic. Caused by bleeding in the small intestine the appearance of the stools are tarry and black. Often the smell is rancid and profuse.
There lifeless little bodies become frail and weak. There skin becomes “tented” when pinched and there gums become tacky. Those eyes looking at you have became sullen and withdrawn. Dehydration has set in and septicemic may take over before diarrhea occurs, taking your pets life without warning.
Treating Parvo
Re-hydrating your pet gives them a 50/50 chance of survival. If your vet cannot see them immediately begin to treat your pet with Pedialyte or Fast Balance GI which begins to progenerate the infected intestine with good bacteria. Begin to administer small portions of chicken broth with turkey baster to your pet. Once you have controlled the vomiting, add a plain boiled mashed potato to the chicken broth and continue to feed your pet small amounts. Once you see signs of improvement add chicken or rice to the chicken broth along with the baked potato.
Protecting Your Pet
The best thing any pet owner can do is vaccinate there pet. If you have a puppy get him/her vaccinated twice. Once at 8 weeks and the second between 14-16 weeks.
If you have a backyard, keep your pet safe by avoiding public places until they are properly vaccinated. Public parks, beaches, trips to the pet store can be deadly to a pet who has not been properly vaccinated.
In a condo or apartment without a yard? This may sound odd but get your dog used to booties on there paws. Not only do they have a lesser chance of contracting Parvo, but they will also protect your pets paw pads from splitting and cracking.
The bottom of your shoes can also carry the parvo disease. If you believe you have walked in areas where other pets have been, wash the bottom of your shoes with bleach and water. This will safely kill the deadly disease.
A dog is a man’s best friend. Look for the signs and symptoms, taking the necessary steps to protect your pet. We count on them, should they count on us?
