Puppy safety 101

MANILA, Philippines - Keeping our pets away from diseases and ensuring their safe and healthy living is import.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2), or Parvo, is a contagious virus first detected in the late ‘70s. Parvo only affects dogs, wolves, foxes, and other canids. Infected dogs die from dehydration or secondary infection rather than the virus itself. Depending on the immunity of the puppy and how quickly the infection is diagnosed, CPV2 can kill the puppy within 24 to 48 hours.

For untreated cases, mortality can reach up to 91 percent but if proper treatment and therapy are given to infected puppies, survival rate may reach 80-95 percent.

“Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to CPV2. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pitbull terriers, and other black and tan-colored dogs have more chances of getting infected by the virus,” said Augusto Benedicto Santos III, president and chairman of the Philippine Canine Club Inc. (PCCI).

CPV can be acquired in two distinct forms — intestinal and cardiac. For the intestinal form, the most common way of acquiring the virus, dogs become infected by CPV2 through oral contact with the infected feces, soil, and other objects that might be infected with the virus. After ingestion, the virus immediately targets the intestine

The cardiac form takes place when a puppy gets infected while still inside the uterus of its mother until about eight weeks old. In this form, CPV2 attacks the heart and the puppy often dies instantaneously or after a short period of difficulty in breathing.

Symptoms of CPV2

When a puppy gets infected with CPV2, Santos said that the first symptom to appear is lethargy, followed by loss of appetite or diarrhea, then vomiting. An infected puppy may also have fever for about five to 10 days.

“Diarrhea and vomiting often cause dehydration and that’s when secondary infection can set in,” added Santos.

If you see any one of these signs in your puppy, it is advised for you to consult the veterinarian immediately for early detection and treatment of the disease.

Tips to Prevent CPV2

Vaccinate your puppy. Puppies are generally vaccinated with a series of doses to keep it safe from several diseases, including CPV2. Vaccines for CPV2 take full effect two weeks after it was given to the puppy.

Keep your puppy’s habitat clean. Since CPV2 can linger in feces or soil for over a year, make sure that all areas your puppy may be in contact with are always clean. If possible, use bleach to sanitize surfaces because it is the only chemical that can kill CPV2.

Be alert on outbreak in your community. CPV2 can easily be spread through an infected puppy’s feces or through soil, keep track of any infections in your community. Immediately vaccinate your puppy if a dog in your neighborhood is infected, and keep you puppy away from it.

Avoid bringing your puppies outside of your home. It is better to keep your puppies inside your home, especially if they are not vaccinated yet, to prevent them from acquiring the CPV2.

“Informing our pure bred dog lovers about canine diseases such us the CPV2 and how it can be prevented and treated is part of PCCI’s advocacy of responsible dog ownership,” said Santos.

For information, call 724-1325 to 27; 412-4104 to 05 or visit www.pccionline.org.