Parvo in puppies is caused by the canine parvovirus. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object.

Your puppy is exposed to the parvovirus every time he sniffs, licks, or consumes infected faeces. Indirect transmission occurs when a person who has recently been exposed to an infected dog touches your puppy, or when a puppy encounters a contaminated object, like a food or water bowl, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.

The virus does the most damage on the dog’s stomach and intestines. The virus prefers to infect the small intestine, where it destroys cells, impairs absorption, and disrupts the gut barrier. Parvo in puppies also affects the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues, and in some cases can also affect the heart.

Why Do Puppies Get Parvo?

Puppies ages six weeks to six months are the most susceptible to parvo. Puppies younger than six-weeks-old still retain some of their mother’s antibodies, assuming that the bitch received her full series of parvo vaccinations.

Puppies are vaccinated against parvo at approximately 8 and 12 weeks of age. We also give a parvo top up vaccine at 16 weeks of age. They are vulnerable to the disease until they have received all three shots in their vaccination series, which means owners need to take extra precaution during this time to prevent their puppies from contracting the virus

The severity of parvo cases varies. The stress of weaning can lead to a more severe case of parvo in puppies, as stress weakens the immune system. A combination of parvo and a secondary infection or a parasite can also lead to a more severe case of parvo in puppies.

To top it off, certain breeds of dogs are at an increased risk of parvo:

• Rottweilers

• Doberman Pinschers

• American Staffordshire Terriers

• English Springer Spaniels

• German Shepherd Dogs

• Labrador Retrievers

If you are a client at Coquet Vets and this article has raised any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to call us on 01665 252250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk