This article is one that is repeated throughout the year. This is a very dangerous disease and we want people to be aware that it is in the area and your pets are susceptible to this disease if not vaccinated.

What is the Parvo Dog Disease? 

Overview

Parvo is the abbreviated term for Canine Parvovirus. The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. It is the most widespread lethal viral infection among domestic dogs. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.

Symptoms

When Parvovirus is present, it generally affects the digestive tract. Infected dogs will be unable to absorb fluids. This leads to severe diarrhea, which is often bloody, yellowish in color and extremely rank. Other common parvo symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, sluggishness and fever. On average, puppies and dogs begin to show symptoms 7 to 10 days after being exposed to the virus.

Transmission

Canine parvovirus is highly contagious and is transmitted through the fecal matter of an infected animal or a carrier, though carriers generally do not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. The virus can survive in the environment for up to 5 months and is able to endure a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Additionally, parvo is resistant to most disinfectants and can be readily transferred to a number of surfaces. For example, if you stand in the place where a dog with parvovirus has recently defecated, there is a high probability of you bringing the virus home on your shoes.

Treatment

While there is no actual cure for parvo, there is standard treatment. This primarily involves the prevention of dehydration, dispensing medicine to bring down the dog’s fever, administering broad range antibiotics and even providing blood transfusions if the situation requires it. If the dog begins treatment within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, it has a 50 percent chance of survival. However, even if the dog survives, it is still possible to contract the illness again.

Prevention

The best way to prevent a parvovirus infection in your dog is to follow the standard immunization schedule. Puppies can be vaccinated when they are 6 weeks old. Bear in mind, dogs who have received the Parvo vaccination can still contract the illness, but their chances are greatly reduced. Prior to receiving their shots, puppies should not be allowed to play with other dogs or to roam in popular dog recreation areas. Dogs or puppies with parvo should never be allowed to leave their own yards. The virus is specific to dogs, but if you believe there is a possibility you have come into contact with the parvo virus, wash your hands, shoes and clothes in a solution of 1 quart of water mixed with 1 ounce of standard chlorine bleach.

Precautions

If your dog has been diagnosed with the parvovirus, be sure to keep him away from all other dogs for the duration of treatment and for at least 4 weeks after recovery is complete. Thoroughly clean any dog wastes from your yard and disinfect any areas the dog inhabits with a strong solution of chlorine bleach and water, approximately ½ cup of bleach for each quart of water. Rinse the dog’s food and water bowls in the bleach solution and add it to the wash cycle when you launder the bedding.

Marley 1Featured Dog- Marley

This pretty girl is a blend of Labrador and shepherd 8 months -1yr old. She is friendly and playful, and she can’t wait to find her forever home!  She does well on a leash and is learning to play with toys. When she’s all tired out, she will enjoy playing games and snuggling up to her new family for some belly rubs and cozy cuddle time!  We know Marley is hoping some special person or family will adopt her soon and give her the loving home she deserves. Marley needs house training but is very smart and catches on very easily to anything introduced to her at the shelter.

Mittens 2Featured cat: – Mittens

Mittens is a very handsome boy who is anxious to find his forever home. He has had a lot of recent changes in his life and is feeling pretty sad. He had a home and is quite surprised to be at the shelter and he is adjusting to his new surroundings.  He loves to play with toys , especially  18 months old domestic short hair black and white with beautiful long white whiskers.

Other available cats: Toby is very laid back. He loves to watch everything that is going on. He needs to be the only cat in the home.

All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday, Sunday 1pm -3pm. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268

The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals. www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com

Please also check our Facebook pages for lost and found animals along with pet information. https://www.facebook.com/MesquiteNVAnimalControl  and https://www.facebook.com/FRIENDSOFMESQUITENVANIMALSHELTER