Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is the most dangerous and contagious virus that affects unprotected dogs. When it was first discovered in 1978, most of the puppies under 5 months old and 3% of older dogs died from CPV. CPV infection is now considered most threatening to puppies between the time of weaning and 6 months of age.

Canine Parvovirus infection in puppies is especially dangerous because Parvo attacks the cells of puppies intestines, causing vital nutrients to not absorb, so growth can't occur. Parvo can cause severe dehydration. Parvo can also attack the heart muscle of puppies. Parvo damages the immune system and can cause septic shock.

Canine Parvovirus commonly causes actual death in puppies.

Parvo is especially worrisome because it can't be seen, so you never know where it is. Parvo can live on any surface, clothing, furniture, object, or animal. Parvo can survive in your yard and on the ground for up to 2 years, infecting and re-infecting unvaccinated puppies.

Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, smelly diarrhea.

If you suspect your puppy could have Parvo, take it to the Emergency Veterinarian Hospital immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Some parvo cases can be treated successfully if caught early. 

Disinfectants: We recommend disinfecting all areas to be occupied by your puppy with the EPA approved KennelSol prior to your puppy's arrival, and disinfect any newly acquired puppy items before initial use. Stand on a KennelSol soaked towel before entering your home. Always wash your hands before touching your puppy.

Vaccinations: All puppies from TT Bullyz will be current on age appropriate core vaccinations, including the Parvo Vaccine, prior to leaving our headquarters. You should continue to vaccinate against parvo, as per your vets instructions, including a parvo booster at 14-16 weeks. All dogs should receive a yearly parvo booster to maintain resistance. 

Avoidance: You should keep your puppy away from all other dogs and animals for at least 2 weeks to confirm that there aren't any signs and symptoms of an active Parvo infection within either group of your animals. You should keep your puppy away from all unvaccinated animals. You should keep your puppy off the ground and confined indoors until 2 weeks after it's final parvo vaccine. If possible, keep all wild animals and stray animals off your property. You shouldn't allow your puppy to walk or sit on the premises of your Vet's office until 2 weeks after the final parvo vaccine; carry your puppy in your arms and limit your exposure to surfaces.

Traveling: When traveling with your not-fully-vaccinated puppy, we recommend allowing the puppy to potty on a puppy training pad inside your vehicle. Stopping along the roadside could be both dangerous to the puppy in terms of catching parvo and also because of moving vehicles.

Reminders: Be especially cautious when obtaining second-hand puppy items like playpens and crates or personalized hand-crafted items from independent designers. Older properly vaccinated dogs can have active parvo infections without showing symptoms which your puppy could catch indirectly from these items.

Future: It only takes a couple months for your puppy to be fully vaccinated against Parvovirus, and although our full-measures seem extreme, once put into everyday practice they become second-nature and absolutely worth the extra time and precautions to keep puppies safe and healthy. Check back here often for more Parvo Prevention information and product recommendations, as we are always searching for the latest news and information and for the best disinfectants to include in our protocol. 

Disclaimer:  

All information presented by TT Bullyz is provided on an “as is” basis and are intended for general understanding and education only. Any access to this information is voluntary and at the sole risk of the user.

Nothing contained in articles and/or content is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a veterinarian or other professional. Articles are designed to educate clients on veterinary health care and medical issues that may affect their pet’s or animal’s daily lives. TT Bullyz do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical or other professional veterinary health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. TT Bullyz disclaims liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained within the information.

TT Bullyz advises clients to always seek the advice of a veterinarian, veterinary specialist or other qualified veterinary health care provider with any questions regarding a pet’s health or medical conditions. Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health care provider because of something you have read on this site. If you have or suspect that your pet has a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified veterinary health care professional immediately.