Does My Dog Really Need the Parvo Vaccine?

If you’ve never heard of parvovirus, you may be wondering whether your dog really needs this vaccine. The unfortunate reality is that pets that become infected with this virus are likely to require serious medical care. If the virus is left untreated, it’s likely to be life threatening.

That’s why the parvovirus vaccine is so critical for your pet. You need a trusted veterinarian specializing in dog vaccinations in Phoenix, AZ to take care of your dog so that it never contracts this deadly condition. Let’s take a look at what parvovirus is, and why you need to take preventative measures against it.

The nature of parvovirus

Although parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a physically small virus, its effects are large. It’s capable of infecting a range of species, including raccoons, wolves, skunks, foxes, cats and dogs. Very young dogs and those that don’t have well-functioning immune systems are most at risk for contracting parvo. So are certain breeds, including German shepherds, Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers.

What does parvo do?

Very few parvo particles are required to result in infection. This virus can also survive outside of the body for up to five months at a time. The virus typically enters through the mouth or nose. This can happen in a variety of ways, including via a crate, through bodily substances like feces and more.

The virus begins by affecting the lymph nodes, then moves on to reach the body’s bone marrow and, finally, the digestive system. It has a negative effect on the production of white blood cells and will damage the intestines. This leads to a range of negative outcomes, including blood clotting and organ failure, which can lead to death.

Signs of parvovirus

There are multiple symptoms that indicate a dog may have contracted this virus. Lethargy and noticeable changes in behavior, such as less willingness to exercise, could be signs of parvo. The dog may also lose its appetite and stop drinking water. The dog may experience diarrhea and vomiting, along with a higher than normal body temperature. If you see any of these signs, you’ll want to bring your dog into a veterinarian to receive a diagnosis and treatment.

You need a veterinarian you can trust to handle dog vaccinations in Phoenix, AZ. That’s why Christown Animal Hospital has been the region’s choice for nearly five decades. We assist with every facet of care so that your pet receives the treatment that they need. Whether you are looking for preventative medicine, surgery, boarding or even grooming and day care, we are equipped to serve you and your pets with compassion and care.

Our trained and friendly staff of experts will help you understand exactly how to best take care of your pet. Our affordable and varied range of services keeps people returning for everything from routine care to emergency services. Contact us today to learn more about the invaluable services we provide for all kinds of pets—we look forward to meeting you soon!

Categorised in: Dog Vaccinations

This post was written by Writer