How Do Dogs Spread Parvovirus?
Widely known as Parvovirus disease, Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV/CPV2) is an infection caused by Parvovirus in dogs. Since the infection is highly contagious and can also be spread in humans, it is important to know how this virus spreads and how to stop it.
The virus attacks white blood cells and dividing cells, particularly those in the lining of the stomach. Parvo can affect in two different forms. One of which is less common that attacks the heart muscles of very young litters. That can be life-threatening or leave a pup with a heart condition for the rest of its life because those puppies are not old enough for vaccination.
The most common form of Parvo disease is which occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Puppies of the age of 6-20 weeks often get affected, however, dogs of all ages are vulnerable to the disease.
How Do Dogs Spread Parvovirus Among Other Dogs?
The virus is hardy. It can live up to a year in the ground soil. Moreover, it is highly contagious, which makes this disease a deadly combination. The dogs and puppies who haven’t been vaccinated are often seen infected with the disease.
It spreads through an infected dog’s body fluid, that is, his poop and vomit mostly. A dog can also contract the virus just by sniffing other dog’s poop. And it is so obvious for dogs to do their sniffing job while on a walk.
Anna from Doglovesbest says, “In addition to body fluids, dogs can also be infected if they use a bed, food bowls, water bowls, carpet, or a kennel of an infected dog. Because the virus stays for a quite long time on the surface. So, a dog can easily catch the virus.” All in all, dogs who are not vaccinated are at higher risk.
Do Humans Spread Parvovirus?
A human can carry canine parvovirus but can’t get infected with it. The virus can easily find their way to your dog through your clothes and shoes or whatever that gets in touch with the virus. However, it is important to note that, humans can also get infected with a parvovirus but with a different strain of the virus than this.
Human parvovirus disease is quite different than Canine parvovirus disease. You cannot get infected with each other’s virus but a human is more responsible for the spread of the disease for both humans and dogs.
What Are The Symptoms Of Canine Parvovirus Disease?
The disease causes a serious illness with ruinous symptoms. It is not fatal but can turn into a matter of grave if symptoms left untreated. Here are some symptoms that indicate the disease Parvovirus.
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea. The first sign of the disease is extreme vomiting. Your dog won’t be able to keep anything in his guts. Vomiting also accompanies with diarrhea. And that said, your dog will become weak and will be dehydrated very soon. The stool can be bloody with slightly pink discoloration and in severe cases, you can also spot dark blood.
- Loss of appetite. Due to the inability of holding anything in the stomach, an infected dog would suddenly start to refuse to eat or drink anything. This will make them weak and dehydrated. Moreover, the Parvo can also cause tenderness and pain in the abdominal area which even worsens the appetite.
- Drastic Weight Loss. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract of the dogs making their intestines unable to absorb essential nutrients from the food. This, in turn, results in drastic weight loss.
- Irregular body temperature. In some cases of the disease, dogs may suffer from fever or they can also suffer from the lower body temperature, also known as hypothermia.
Apart from this, an infected dog may also seem exhausted all the time and even depressed.
The EndNote
Any surface with the virus can spread the virus among dogs, also, their body fluids including their poop and vomit can spread it. Canine parvovirus cannot affect humans and the B19 virus, human parvo, can’t affect dogs. However, a human is the most responsible to spread the virus in both the species. If you see the symptoms in your pup, immediately contact your vet.