How to Detect Parvovirus In Your Dog or Puppy

Parvo is a common killer of puppies but don't count your puppy out if they are diagnosed with parvovirus. Many puppies are successfully treated and go on to live long happy lives.
The secret is in quick diagnosis so proper treatment can start immediately.
Don't ignore the signs just because you are hoping it's not true.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A good vet

1. The first sign you will likely see is that your dog/puppy will start acting 'punky' (lethargic). It's almost as if they were to suddenly become depressed

2. Your dog or puppy will often lose their appetite. This is because parvovirus attacks their digestive tract.

3. The parvo infected dog or puppy will usually start vomitting. This vomit will usually look like clear, foamy phlegm.

4. The first sign most dog/puppy owners take alarm to is that most affected dogs and/or puppies get diarrhea, usually bloody. The odor of the feces for puppies who have parvo is unmistakable. Once you smell parvo... you will NEVER forget it.

5. The vomiting and diarrhea will cause dehydration. This is the main ingredient of parvo that does the killing. **See my upcoming article on How To Detect Dehydration In Your Pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your puppy to the vet NOW if they exhibit any of these symptoms. Parvo kills FAST
• See my upcoming article on How To Treat Parvovirus On Your Own if you opt to try to save your puppies / dog at home versus the very expensive vet treatment... which is usually no more effective if you have the time to devote.
• Isolate!
• Bleach!
• Keep separate shoes, clothing, etc for when you care for those with parvo and when all is said and done and over with... burn the clothing/shoes you used.
• Avoid public places with puppies who have not yet had at least 3 immunizations which include vaccinations for parvo. One shot is not magic. It takes time to build up their systems. Rest areas are HUGE No-No's for puppies!

Resources

• Guide To Ethical Dog Breeding
• By the way, if you have a passion for writing like I do, and would like to learn how to get paid for it, visit this site.

[maplespups]

on 12/1/2008 I wish I had check on the virus and what it could do to a puppy. I have lost a total of 6 pups it a week ages of 10 weeks to 10 months. I love my pups and I tried everything to save them. If you ever see what I have seen this week you will never forget it. Thakns for all the infomation you have giving me. The breeds I lost were wiemeraner, labadors, and yorkies. Thanks again for everything.

[Blackbear]

on 3/5/2008 I had no idea! Thanks Great article too. I'm saving it. So I'm assuming Parvo is ugly enough to continue living to re-infect. This is why shoes, etc should be burned.

[SharonW]

on 2/25/2008 Thanks so much for this information. To lose your puppy to this disease would be heartbreaking.

[knewf]

on 2/25/2008 useful article