This happy puppy is Toby. He tested positive for canine parvo and was confined in the clinic for five days before being fit for discharge. It has already been two weeks since he went home, and he just received his 5-in-1 vaccine last week. We’ll be seeing him in the coming days to finish all his vaccines, so he can go on being healthy and happy throughout his puppyhood.

The ‘season’ for canine parvo

While puppies can contract canine parvo anytime of the year, their chances of getting it increases during the rainy season. Here at our clinic, there has been an increase in the number of cases of puppies having the same disease as Toby’s. So what is parvo?

Canine parvoviral enteritis, or simply “Parvo”, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, with the small intestines as its main target organ. It can affect all dogs, but is mostly seen in puppies less than seven months of age, with unvaccinated puppies having a significantly higher likelihood of contracting the disease. Its transfer is by feco-oral route wherein the susceptible dog, by using its mouth, makes contact with the virus through contaminated feces, environment, or inanimate objects.

5 ways to prevent canine parvo

Parvo has no specific cure and has a high mortality rate. You may discuss with your veterinarian on how to treat a parvo patient. Prevention is our priority when we talk about this virus and here are some ways to do so:

  1. Vaccinate! Have an appointment with your veterinarian for your puppy’s vaccinations and make time for the schedules. Puppies should receive their vaccines as early as 6-8 weeks of age. You can also have a discussion about other core vaccines that may be required depending on where you live.
  2. Isolate! Limit your puppy’s socialization with other dogs until 7-10 days after his/her last shot. A puppy’s immune system is not yet mature or well-developed at this stage. Some dogs, especially the adults, are potential sources of infection as they may harbor the disease, but do not show any signs of it.
  3. Avoid contamination/contagion! Don’t let your puppy roam public places until they’re fully vaccinated. This also means minimizing their access to your footwear at this point as these things can easily pick up the virus from a contaminated place.
  4. Clean and disinfect! The virus is stable in the environment and may thrive for up to seven months. Common soap and disinfectants are not effective against parvovirus. Instead, you may use household bleach in a 1:30 – 1:32 dilution ratio, or 1 part bleach for every 30-32 parts of water. Other chemicals that can inactivate or kill parvo are available, but the one mentioned above is one of the most affordable and readily available. Disinfect possible contaminated areas in your home, such as common areas and entrances. Allow the solution to sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
  5. Know the signs! If you observe lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea or a combination of these from your puppy, take them immediately to a veterinarian and have them checked.