The Effects Of Canine Parvovirus On Dog Health

Tags: dogs, pets, diseases, dog health

Many pet owners fail to realize the importance of vaccination. They often neglect to take the necessary actions to ensure their dog's health. And everybody knows that negligence is often rewarded by regret. There are many viral infections on the loose everywhere; tiny microscopic foes on the prowl waiting to claim your pooch's life.

One of the most common diseases is Canine Parvovirus, which is not to be taken lightly. Many of us don't know what it is and are probably fed up with hearing sicknesses with confusing scientific names - but I'll explain anyway. This virus, once your pet has been infected, can attack the digestive system or the heart, doing considerable damage.

There is no cure for the ailment, so recovery will entirely depend on how soon you get it to the animal hospital, how old it is, and how well does its immune system combat the bacteria. The odds of survival are slim, experts say 50/50. This is a major puppy killer because their immune systems are awfully weak.

How do you tell if Canine Parvovirus is attacking the heart or the digestive system? Simple – the symptoms vary. Cardiac symptoms will include weakness. Your puppy will be having difficulty in standing up. Legs may shake while doing so, and it will stumble while walking (if it can). You should feel its chest, and try to monitor its heart beat - check if its irregular.

Another sign would be asperity in breathing. An infected pooch could be breathing heavily – the pain brought about would make it cry. The symptoms, if the infection is in the digestive system, will usually start with diarrhea and vomiting. It will be pooping uncontrollably everywhere in the house even if it has been housebroken.

There isn't training for teaching it where to vomit, but even if there was, it would still puke everywhere. It would also have a sudden loss of appetite and appear to be sad. It would refuse to play with you. A change in its body temperature is also to be taken note of – usually a fever.

Whether Canine Parvovirus comes in the cardiac or intestinal form, both can eventually lead to death if left untreated. Though the virus is incurable and recovery will depend entirely on your pets immune system, there are several things we can do to safeguard your dog's health. First and foremost, vaccination - this should start while it's a puppy.

Ask your veterinarian on how often and when should it be vaccinated. Clean your house and the areas your pet stays in with the aid of disinfecting solutions. If you wanna save money use a mixture of water and detergent. The ailment spreads through direct contact with infected stools, so keep your pet away from the poop of other dogs.

Dispose of your dogs poop immediately as well as a safety precaution. The park may be a nice place to relax and chill with your dog, but that doesn't cover the fact that it's a great breeding ground for viruses. So you might want to steer clear of those types of areas.

If your pooch displays any or all of the symptoms stated above, then there is a good chance that it's infected. Have it see a veterinarian immediately, for the sake of your dog's health and overall well-being.

About the author

Alex De La Cruz is a successful Dog Trainer who has been advising and coaching dog owners for many years. Alex now decided to share his knowledge through this site, Doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free weekly newsletter and learn how to keep your dog healthy and happy.

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