The Phoenix Area Is Seeing High Rates of Parvovirus: Here’s What You Need to Know

Parvovirus can affect dogs and cats, proving fatal for many—but for some reason, some pet owners choose not to vaccinate their fuzzy friends against parvo. Unfortunately, we’re currently experiencing parvo outbreak here in Phoenix, AZ, which can affect puppies and kittens as well as older cats and dogs. Here’s what you need to know about parvovirus and how to make sure your dog or cat gets the best care possible:

• Dogs and cats are both at risk: First and foremost, you should know that cats as well as dogs can be affected by parvovirus. If your cat hasn’t gotten their shots because you thought this was a canine-only disease, see your vet as soon as possible.
• Pets of any age can be affected: Many people believe that only young puppies and kittens get parvovirus. Unfortunately, no matter how old your pet is, they too can contract parvovirus if they’re unvaccinated or have otherwise never been exposed to it before. Don’t assume that, just because your pet is older, they’re safe—make sure they’ve been vaccinated.
• You can’t tell from looking at a pet whether they have it: Is your pet shedding a lot? You might think you’ve spotted a sure sign of parvo, but in fact, it’s not that easy to diagnose. Animals can be infectious both before and after symptoms are evident (if that sounds familiar given a current human pandemic, that’s simply the nature of infectious disease), so there’s really no way to tell just by looking at your furry family member. However, if you notice parvo symptoms, get to your Phoenix, AZ veterinarian at once.
• You can’t smell parvo at first: Many animals who have parvo develop a distinctive smell as a result of its secondary bacterial infection, stemming from vomiting, low white cell counts and bloody enteritis. This, however, is not the first indication that your pet has parvo—the smell is developed well after the virus itself takes hold.
• New strains of parvo are not a problem: Some people believe, because the virus mutates and new strains are present every year or so, that vaccinations are not the solution, or that the new strains are difficult to diagnose and treat. This is simply not true—some strains are harder to treat, but that does not mean you shouldn’t seek medical care or refuse to vaccinate your pet.

Parvovirus is a serious illness that can harm or kill your pet, so it’s crucial that you’re vigilant in preventing it.

Seeing parvo symptoms in Phoenix, AZ? Come see us

Christown Animal Hospital has taken care of area pets since 1969. Whether your pet needs a vaccination during the current parvo outbreak in Phoenix, AZ or they need other routine care, we’re happy to help. We can assist you with everything from surgeries to checkups, and make sure that we put your pet’s health and other needs first. Call us today to schedule your pet’s parvovirus vaccine or to get them examined. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Categorised in: Cat Vaccinations, Dog Vaccinations

This post was written by Writer