The Beaver County Humane Society is warning dog owners to get their pets vaccinated after a second puppy recently tested positive for the deadly parvovirus.
Parvo is a highly contagious and deadly virus that is commonly seen in puppies, but it is also known to affect dogs of any age.
The virus is spread from direct dog-to-dog contact, contaminated feces, or contaminated environments. The virus can live in the environment for more than a year under the right conditions.
Parvo attacks a dog’s lining of their digestive system and prevents them from absorbing the proper nutrients they need. Common symptoms of the virus include:
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea (Sometimes bloody)
– Lethargy
– Pain
– Dehydration
– Sepsis
Because parvo is a viral disease, there is no cure. At this time, infected dogs are given fluids and steps are taken to prevent a secondary bacterial infection.
“People are taking life-threatening risks when they expose their unvaccinated pets to the outdoors, especially in areas that other dogs have been,” she told The Times. “It is so important to have your dog or puppy vaccinated against parvo — it’s a preventable illness, and the vaccines are widely available.”
The good news is that your dog has most likely had their Parvo vaccine as it is part of routine veterinary vaccination recommended for all puppies and dogs. The vaccine is generally administered around six weeks and is re-administered three to four additional times before a dog is a year old and annually after that.
If you suspect your dog or puppy has parvovirus, see a veterinarian immediately.
