Parvovirus is a deadly viral disease that can be easily contracted by young pups. The virus attacks cells in the body and severely attacks the intestinal tract of the dog. This virus can cause damage to the heart if treated a little late and may result in death if not treated at all.
The symptoms of Parvovirus are:
How is it contracted?
Parvovirus is mainly contracted through handling an infected dog’s feces. The virus is able to live on inanimate objects for months and could be spread to new pets. Humans are also able to carry the virus (it won’t affect a human) and could spread to pets. Pups usually get three vaccinations between 6 weeks and 12 weeks of birth. Their first vaccination is against parvovirus in which pups are still susceptible to the virus.
How can it be treated?
When your pup starts experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to rush your pup to your nearest vet as soon as possible. The quicker that it is treated, the higher the chance of your pups survival. Make sure to vaccinate your pets before visiting parks and other recreational areas outside your home.
How much does it cost to treat parvovirus?
If you’re visiting a vet during working hours, treatment could start at R10 000 and go up to as much as R20 000 (if you’re visiting a 24-hour vet).