Parvovirus in Dogs
With summer over, hot humid weather may be on the decrease but parvovirus is here to stay. A deadly infection, RSPCA Hospitals all over the State are seeing cases every day, especially in young unvaccinated puppies.
"Parvovirus is a viral infection that causes vomiting and profuse bloody diarrhoea leading to dehydration," said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian, Dr Magdoline Awad. "Dogs that show these signs must be taken immediately to a veterinarian. If excessive fluid loss occurs then severe shock and death result."
The dogs that are at greater risk of contracting parvovirus are young puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
Highly contagious, the virus can survive up to a year in the environment and favours hot, humid conditions. "We often see outbreaks of pavovirus occuring after these weather patterns. At our RSPCA Hospitals we are currently seeing an influx of dogs with parvovirus, especially unvaccinated young puppies."
The best way to protect your puppy fom this deadly disease is through vaccination. The RSPCA recommends that puppies are restricted from public, outdoor areas until the entire series of puppy vaccinations are complete.
"We urge anyone with an unvaccinated dog (of any age) to visit their Veterinarian as soon as possible".
The RSPCA NSW operates four Veterinary Hospitals open to the public for Veterinary services including Parvovirus vaccinations, please CLICK HERE for further information.
For more information please consult the RSPCA Knowledge Base.
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