What exactly is Parvo?

Answer 1

Its a virus that affects the intestinal tract of mostly young, unvaccinated dogs in the 3-9 month old range. Other ages can get the virus, but the mortality rate is highest in this age range. The keep word here is "unvaccinated". Although vaccines are not 100%, they are the best we have at preventing this disease. Most dogs should have at least 3 parvo vaccines before 4 months old. The virus kills dogs by causing vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. Treatment is aimed at helping the dog survive the course of the virus. There is no direct treatment other than attempting to control the symptoms. The problem is most oral medications are not able to stay down due to the vomiting, and not able to be absorbed because of the intestinal damage. The best chance of survival is with injectable medications and I.V. fluid therapy.

Answer 2

Parvo is a viral disease that attacks the intestinal tract and immune system. It has been known and identifiable since 1978 and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with vomit or diarrhea from an infected dog. The Parvovirus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, dehydration, high fever and sudden death.

The Parvovirus is hard to kill and is shed in large numbers by infected dogs. One ounce of feces can carry millions of particles of the virus. This means a fly can land in an infected area then land in your yard and infect that space. Some kennel owners ask that their visitors bleach the bottom of their shoes, wash their hands in bleach water and put gowns on before allowing contact with the puppies. These are excellent precautions to take, and reduce the risk, but they are not a guarantee that the puppies will be protected from the Parvovirus. Many kennel owners who have taken these precautions still end up occasionally contracting Parvo in their kennel. We have seen this situation many times.

Parvo is often fatal and strikes suddenly causing your pet to become extremely ill. Without treatment the animal often dies within a few days.

Dehydration is the number one cause of death with the Parvovirus. They can also pass away from loss of blood, major organ failure, infection and low blood sugar.

Answer 3

When a dog contracts parvo, they become very ill and experience significant abdominal pain. The virus us damages the intestinal lining, causing it to slough.

Most puppies infected with parvo are unable to eat and rapidly become dehydrated. This results in a significant loss of electrolytes, which causes them to become very weak. Often dehydration is the official cause of death in dogs with parvo.

Most dogs that contract the parvo virus are in danger of dying from dehydration and malnutrition, not the parvo virus itself. Parvo most often affects puppies because their immune systems are not as mature as older dogs.

In addition, other symptoms include:

high fever

lethargy

depression

loss of appetite

gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and bloody, smelly diarrhea
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you get help, as parvo spreads quicky
Parvo is a highly contagious virus. Dogs usually catch the virus through contact with infected feces, either by touching it directly, or through secondary contact (e.g., on other dogs, shoes, or toys.)

Answer 4

Parvo is where a dog refuses to eat and drink,they eventually they get diarrhea and puke a lot and starve themselves to death.

Answer 5

It is a virus, not unlike any other. It just happens to have a bad effect on a dog is all.
It is also a soil spawned virus, and can live in the soil for up to three years.

Answer 6

it is a infection that dog can get from other dogs. they start not eating then throwing up and having bloodied poop you would need to get the puppie to the vets as soon as you can./ some puppies live some do die.. for more infromation please talk to a vet.

Answer 7

It's the same as parvovirus, that may cause disease in dogs and other animals, as well as humans.

Answer 8

It's a virus that puppies are susceptible to. It is often deadly : (