A high mortality rate is caused by parvoviruses, a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease.In puppies, the virus is common.When a dog is suspected of having parvo, owners and breeders panic because they know how quickly the condition progresses and how lethal it can be.Getting to a vet quickly can increase the odds of survival if your dog has parvo.Your vet will be able to tell you if you're dealing with parvo or another canine disease.
Step 1: Be aware of your dog's behavior.
The first sign of a parvo infection is weakness.Your dog may become less active as it retreats to a corner.They don't have a lot of appetite or they start to seem weak.Parvo usually progresses quickly.
Step 2: It's a good idea to watch for a sick person.
Dogs with parvo are more likely to have a high temperature.Warm ears, a warm nose, and red eyes are some of the telltale signs of illness.If your dog has a high temperature, you can use a rectal or ear thermometer.A lower-than-normal body temperature can be a sign of a change in temperature.
Step 3: You should pay attention to vomiting.
The rapidly dividing cells that line the stomach and intestines are attacked by Parvo.This causes your dog's stomach to become irritated and causes severe vomiting.Since your dog can't hold down food or water, they can quickly become severely dehydrated and starving, which can lead to death.
Step 4: Pay attention to the stools of your dog.
The parvo can be very severe.Some people think it has a different smell than your dog's normal stools.Their stool contains a lot of blood.Take your dog to the vet if you see this.
Step 5: If you see signs of anemia, it's time to check it out.
Parvo can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.Press down on the gums to see if your dog is anemic.Your dog may be anemic if it takes longer to return to its normal color.The paleness of the gums may be caused by anemia.
Step 6: If you have a puppy, be aware of parvo.
Parvo is most common in puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age.Puppies haven't fully developed their immune system so Parvo is serious.If your puppy is between 14 and 16 weeks old, their mother's milk may interfere with the vaccine and it may not be fully effective.It can be difficult to spot the early signs of parvo in a puppy, which can lead to high mortality rates for younger dogs.If you notice a change in their behavior, take them to the vet.
Step 7: Take your dog to the vet.
Parvo can be fatal in 72 hours after the first symptoms appear.If you can get your dog to the vet quickly, they will have a better chance of recovery.
Step 8: Ask your vet to do the test.
TheELISA test can be used to diagnose parvo.Your dog's stool is checked for evidence of parvo.The results will come back in about 15 minutes.The test gives rapid results, but sometimes false positives do occur, so your vet may recommend further testing, like taking a white blood cell count or sending a sample to a lab.More testing to confirm parvo may not be necessary.Severe illness is caused by the parvoviruses.Diagnostic tests are not always necessary since the condition is managed with supportive care.
Step 9: If you want to confirm, get a white blood count.
Your vet may check your dog's white blood cell count since an ELISA test can come back with a false positive.A low white blood cell count is a good indicator of parvo in combination with a positive ELISA test.
Step 10: If your vet does a test, wait for lab results.
A fecal sample from your dog will be sent to a lab for testing.This will tell you if your dog has parvo.The results are more accurate than an ELISA test.
Step 11: Follow your doctor's suggestions.
There is no cure for the parvoviruses, but your vet can recommend supportive therapies and practical measures that will increase your dog's odds of survival.Anti-vomiting medication and anti-diarrheals may be included.