1st Choice: Puppy Toy & Small Breeds
Parvo in puppies is, unfortunately, a common disease with deadly consequences.
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious virus that will affect all dogs. Rottweilers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherd are at increased risk of disease. Toy Poodles and Cocker Spaniels appear to have a decreased risk of developing enteric disease.
The virus is highly contagious and spreads very easily around dogs and puppies that aren’t up to date with their vaccinations. It affects the dogs’ gastrointestinal tract and causes acute gastrointestinal illness, especially in pups younger than four months old.
The virus itself is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying, and can survive in the surroundings for long periods. It is generally spread via direct contact and it can contaminate surfaces, food and water bowls, leashes and collars. Even recovered dogs can serve as carriers and shed the virus periodically.
Signs & Symptoms
The virus spreads through body fluids, including dog’s poo and vomit. It is extremely hardy and might survive within the environment outside the body eg: in the grass at a park – for at least six months or longer. It’s not uncommon for dogs to catch Parvovirus after a walk.
Symptoms to look out for include: bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, weakness, fever, lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, depression. Your veterinarian can run several tests to find out if your dog has been infected with CPV.
After exposure, puppies and adult dogs begin shedding the virus within four to five days. Puppies can continue to shed the virus for up to 10 days after clinical recovery. As such, it’s recommended that recovering pups be kept isolated from other dogs.
Most deaths from CPV occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of those signs, you should contact your veterinary instantly.
Preventive Steps
The good news is, Parvo is a preventable virus. To protect adult dogs, pet owners should take care that their dog’s parvovirus vaccination is up-todate. Keeping pups isolated from adult dogs after shows or field trials are recommended. Bitches used for breeding should receive a full course of parvovirus vaccinations, as the puppies depend on
the mother’s antibodies for the first few weeks of life.
If your home and yard are contaminated by an infected dog, there are steps you can take to disinfect the area. Cleaning with a solution of onepart bleach mixed with just about 30 parts water is a suitable technique for disinfecting any indoor space (including bedding, food and water bowls, etc) that once housed an infected dog.
While it is recognised that humans cannot get parvo from their dogs, they can pass the virus from one dog to another via, their garments, shoes, or hands.
Enriched with extra protein, vitamins, calcium and other essential minerals for optimal bone growth and vitality, 1st Choice Toy & Small Breeds formula for puppies is also designed to ensure a smooth transition to solid food after weaning. The shape, size and hardness of the nuggets are specifically designed to suit the dental structure and chewing ability of pups. Available in 2.72kg packs.