What is Canine Parvovirus?
First, the sciencey bit. In this blog post, when we refer to Parvo or Parvovirus, we are talking about Canine Parvovirus (CPV-1 and CPV-2), a disease that was recognised back in 1978. Humans cannot catch Canine Parovirus.
Can humans catch Parvovirus? Yes, humans can catch Parvovirus B19, a virus that affects people and not animals. You may have heard of Slapped Cheek Syndrome, which is caused by Parvovirus B19.
Canine Parvovirus (CPV), is a serious viral illness in dogs. There have been instances of Parvo in the UK so it is important to recognise the symptoms to catch it early. This highly contagious virus can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and can cause severe illness in dogs and even death. For those considering adopting a dog from Spain or anywhere else, understanding parvovirus is critical to ensuring the health and safety of your new family member.
Parvovirus is known for its resilience, surviving for long periods outside a host (up to a year), making it particularly difficult to control. The symptoms include:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea (often with blood)
Fever or low body temperature
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain and bloating
Puppies are especially vulnerable due to their immature immune systems, they are considered immunocompetent before 12 weeks of age. It is also worth noting that puppy’s immune systems are not fully developed until they are 6-12 months of age.
Canine Parvovirus spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or through contact with contaminated faeces, surfaces, or objects. Once contracted, the disease can quickly become life-threatening, making early detection and prevention essential. If you suspect your dog may have parvovirus please get in touch with your vet as a matter of urgency.
How Can Dogs Catch Parvovirus?
Dogs can contract parvovirus in several ways:
Direct Contact: Interaction with an infected dog is the most straightforward way the virus spreads.
Contaminated Faeces: Stepping in or sniffing infected faeces can lead to transmission.
Surfaces and Objects: Anything that has come into contact with infected faeces, including kennels, bowls, and even human hands, can carry the virus to a new host.
Vaccination for Parvovirus
Vaccination is a way to protect your dog from parvovirus.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule: Puppies should begin their vaccination series at around 6-8 weeks of age, receiving boosters every 2-4 weeks until they reach at least 16 weeks old.
Adult Dog Vaccinations: Adult dogs should receive regular booster vaccinations to maintain immunity.
According to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), the vaccine provides excellent protection against the virus, significantly reducing the risk of infection. The vaccine does not provide 100% immunity, it is still possible for dogs who have been vaccinated to become infected. We understand that there is some controversy surrounding annual vaccinations for dogs. We are not here to preach to you about vaccination, purely to tell you that the vaccination exists and that the dogs in the shelter in Spain are vaccinated with Canigen DHPPi, which offers protection against Parvovirus.
Can I prevent my dog from catching Parvo?
In addition to vaccination, there are some other preventative measures that you can take.
Avoiding Contaminated Areas: If there has been an influx of cases in your local area this may be reported on social media or in local news, be aware that these reported areas may well pose a risk to your dog.
Good Hygiene Practices: Wash your hands! Humans cannot catch canine parvovirus but they can spread the virus. The virus can also be spread on your shoes or clothes from being in a contaminated area.
Pick up after your dog: In the UK it is illegal not to pick up your dog’s poo in a public area. Symptoms of Parvovirus may take 3-7 days to appear after infection, this means your dog could have Parvovirus without you knowing, and by not cleaning up after your dog the virus is more likely to be transmitted to other dogs.
Parvovirus is a threat to dogs, but understanding how it spreads and taking proactive steps can make all the difference. If you have any questions or need further advice on protecting your dog from parvovirus, please contact your local vet or check trusted sources like the British Veterinary Association and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Spanish Happy Tails Rescue UK find loving homes in the UK for rescue dogs from Spain. By adopting a rescue dog from Spain, you’re not just getting a pet, you’re gaining a loyal companion and embarking on an incredible journey of compassion and transformation. Without you, their days are spent behind bars, they deserve more, they deserve a home to call their own.
Adopting a rescue dog from Spain is more straightforward than you might think, we deal with everything for you and with full Rescue Backup and lifetime support, we are there for you from adoption and every day after that.