Parvovirus infection in dogs

Is your pup vomiting and passing bloody diarrhoea? Then it should not be neglected as your pup may be suffering from Canine Parvoviral Infection. It is a viral disease that occurs in all ages of dog but more commonly seen in pups less than 6 weeks of age. Breeds like Doberman and Labrador are more susceptible to this disease.

The disease may be transmitted through infected animals and their secretions so the chances of the disease spreading is more in the veterinary clinics, pet shops, etc. The infected Puppy may show the following symptoms:

• Lack of appetite
• Slight rise in body temperature
• Dehydration
• Severe weight loss
• Foul smelling diarrhoea
• Blood in feces
• Yellow coloured frothy vomit

Parvovirus affects the intestinal tract and White Blood Cells and may affect the heart muscles causing circulation failure in pups of 6-8 weeks of ages. Death would be due to cardiogenic shock.

Disease can be prevented by Vaccination of dog with inactivated vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age, booster at 12th week of age and annual booster vaccination.