Anyone who has a canine friend with parvo may wonder, “how many days can a dog live with parvo?” Any concerns about parvo are reasonable, considering how deadly the disease is with vulnerable pups.
Like humans, dogs can be vulnerable to a range of contagious diseases and viruses. Parvo can survive for a long time in anyone’s home and backyard, so it’s better to take better precautionary measures.
What is Parvo?
Parvo is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks intestinal linings and white blood cells. Severe dehydration may occur when parvovirus destroys the cells of a puppy’s intestinal lining. If this lining sustains dangerous damage, a puppy will have an increased risk for bacterial infection.
Parvo is also known as “CPV-2” by veterinarians. Once a pup contracts the virus, parvo can get contagious and affect other dogs. Puppies younger than 4 months old and unvaccinated dogs are the ones most at risk for parvovirus.
The virus can affect the bloodstream, lymph nodes, and small intestines of dogs. Some pet owners claim that parvo affects a pet’s heart. A heart problem due to parvo can be fatal if it doesn’t get proper treatment.
How Do Dogs Get Parvo?
The virus can enter a dog’s body through the mouth when it cleans itself or decides to pick up food from the ground. A dog can pass the virus from dog to dog, but it can also spread through direct contact with contaminated stool or the environment.
If a dog acquires parvo infection, it may contaminate water, food, collars, bowls, and leashes, as well as a dog’s crate. There can be an incubation period of 3-7 days before the first symptoms show.
Pet owners may get parvo infections through their clothing, hands, and shoes if they touch an infected dog’s stool. The parvovirus is highly resistant to cold, heat, and humidity.
What Are The Symptoms Of Parvo Infection?
When a dog catches parvo, it can take three days to one week for symptoms to develop. These include the following:
- Lack of energy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Sudden weight loss
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances occur as a result of repeated vomiting and diarrhea, and parvovirus impairs nutrient absorption from food. Parvo can weaken a dog’s immune system and cause secondary infections — either viral or bacterial.
By damaging the intestine lining of dogs, parvo enables protein and blood to leak into the intestines, leading to edema or anemia. It can also cause endotoxins to leak into a dog’s bloodstream, leading to a condition known as endotoxemia.
Which Dog Breeds Are The Most Vulnerable To Parvo?
Puppies of all breeds may contract parvo, but some breeds are more vulnerable to the disease than others. Pet owners must know enough about parvo and the benefits of vaccination since this virus can be deadly.
If a puppy is starting to show symptoms, contacting your trusted veterinarian is the best action. Below are dog breeds that are more susceptible to parvo:
- English Springer Spaniels
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Pitbulls
- Rottweilers
How Many Days Can A Dog Live With Parvo?
Are you wondering how many days can a dog live with parvo? Their chances of surviving the disease depends on the vet’s diagnosis.
Over 91% of untreated puppies may die within two to three days after showing the first symptoms of parvo. The good news is, with a quick response and immediate parvo in dogs treatment, your dog has a 68-92% chance of surviving parvo.
What Are The Treatments Available For Parvovirus?
A parvo treatment includes keeping your pet hydrated, controlling vomiting and nausea, preventing bacterial infections, and controlling abdominal pain. Parvovirus doesn’t have any available cure, so treatments will focus on supportive care.
Affected dogs and puppies should get enough hospital stay to appropriately manage their condition. Below are the following ways your dog can heal from parvo:
Intravenous fluids
Fluid therapy is necessary to replace the fluid loss caused by the virus. This method will require an IV catheter with a dose of medications to initiate treatment. A veterinarian will administer Lactated Ringers at a dose of 40ml/kg after the following treatment.
Nutrition
Affected dogs should have adequate nutrients, which a veterinarian will provide through intravenous fluids. The administration of intravenous fluids will continue until their gut heals well enough for them to accept food.
Antibiotics
If bad bacteria entered a dog’s bloodstream, parvo antibiotics may be required to stop these infections.
Blood transfusions
Blood or plasma transfusions are necessary for the pets to get an adequate number of white blood cells.
Conclusion
Now that you know how many days can a dog live with parvo, you now have an insight into how dangerous parvo can be to any pup. Diseases like parvo are fatal to our furry friends, so make sure that you have an idea or two about their signs and symptoms. This may be the chance for you to save another pet’s life.
Are you finding ways to make a change? You can join Doobert, and be a volunteer today! Joining Doobert could be your chance to save precious lives through adoption, so feel free to contact them. The Doobert team is always available to respond to your inquiries.
