How to Cure Parvo in Dogs

Parvovirus is one of the most deadly diseases to affect dogs and is closely similar to feline distemper. Discovered in the 1970's, this virus is extremely prevalent in the winter months of the year. While this virus has a high risk for dogs, it is very easy to get your dog vaccinated against it, saving their life in the process.

Millions of dogs each year succumb to this deadly virus, but it's up to you as a dog owner to make sure this never happens to your beloved pet. Being able to stop your pet from getting this is the key to overall survival.

The Parvovirus attacks the cells in the intestinal lining and causes severe damage. The Parvovirus is ingested by the dog and takes anywhere from 3 days to two weeks for it to affect the dog. Due to the severe damage this virus can cause, watery and bloody diarrhea and vomiting will occur, causing your pet to become so dehydrated that it will not survive for very long without immediate medical attention. If your puppy contracts this virus, which is the most common case, it will have a hard time maintaining its blood sugar, and this can be deadly for it.

The main way your dog will contract this virus is through feces. When the dog comes into contact or goes near feces of a dog that has the Parvovirus, it can catch it. This virus is extremely well lived, and can live for over two years outside the dog. Because of this, it is extremely important to clean up any dog excrement in your yard if you have a dog that has had the Parvovirus, and quarantine them if you have more than one dog. Even if you accidently step in the dogs feces and bring it in the house, your dogs can catch this deadly virus.

The best way to keep your dog from catching the Parvovirus is to have it vaccinated six weeks after it is born. This will ensure that your dog never catches the Parvovirus and will keep your dog healthy for the rest of its life. The vaccination process is usually two or three shots, and it will make it almost impossible for your dog to get it afterwards. You should also make sure the mother dog is vaccinated so that she doesn't pass it on to her pups when they are born.