RSPCA NSW is urging members of the community to help stop the spread of Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) and keep their pets safe after several cases have been reported in the Illawarra region this week.
Parvo is a serious and often fatal viral disease that affects unvaccinated dogs and puppies of any age.
What is Parvo?
Parvo is highly contagious and spreads directly, or indirectly, through contact with faecal matter from infected dogs. Transmission may occur through direct contact with a sick dog, by sniffing an infected dog’s poo or licking/ eating off ground where a sick dog has previously been.
Parvo is especially dangerous because it can live for several years on the ground where a sick dog has defecated or vomited. As the virus is invisible, pet owners cannot know if a sick dog has previously been there. This poses an ongoing risk to dogs and puppies for many years.
Symptoms
The incubation period for Parvo is between four to six days after contact with the virus.
Symptoms of infection include any or all of the following:
- Vomiting (often with blood)
- Diarrhoea (often with blood)
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced energy
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Death
Prevention is key
Parvo is entirely preventable. Vaccination is key to preventing the spread.
All dog owners should ensure their pet is up to date with the C3 vaccine. If your pet is unvaccinated or due for a booster, please contact your local vet to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Puppies are at greatest risk of infection, especially if they have not received a primary course of C3 vaccinations (which means at least two doses of vaccine depending on the age of your pup).
Unvaccinated puppies are also a common source of infection for other puppies and dogs. If your dog is unvaccinated, RSPCA NSW recommends avoiding public spaces such as parks and grassy areas.
Unvaccinated dogs should also avoid contact with other dogs for at least ten days after they have been vaccinated.
What to do if your dog is sick
If your dog is sick, you must seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible.
Your vet can perform testing and provide treatment for Parvo. Without veterinary treatment, approximately 91% of infected dogs will die. Early and intense treatment of Parvo maximises the chances of survival and will prevent the suffering associated with this disease.
Please note it is crucial that you alert the veterinary hospital over the phone that your dog has signs of Parvo BEFORE you visit. Your veterinary hospital will provide instructions about how to keep your dog isolated from the other animals in their care. Please do not enter a veterinary hospital with a dog suspected to have Parvo. Instead, wait in your car and call the clinic to notify them of your arrival.
Cleaning and disinfection
As the virus can also survive on items of clothing, floors and other surfaces for months to years, it is vital to clean and disinfect environments where dogs with Parvo live or have visited.
RSPCA NSW recommends throwing away soiled items (bedding and toys) and wiping down all contaminated surfaces to remove debris. Then, items that cannot be thrown away need to be disinfected. You can use one cup of bleach mixed with one bucket of water to disinfect any areas where a dog with Parvo has been sick. Be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands well after cleaning.
Please note that bleach solutions may damage certain household surfaces and furnishings and spot testing is always recommended. Your vet can offer advice on alternative disinfectant options where you are unable to use bleach solutions.
