15/10/2025
🚨Parvovirus Alert! Protect Your Furry Friends!🚨
At Seadoone Veterinary Clinic, your pet's health is our top priority. We care for pets great and small, and want to inform all pet owners about a serious, highly contagious, and potentially deadly disease that affects dogs, especially puppies: Canine Parvovirus (CPV), or "Parvo."
What is Parvovirus?🦠
Parvovirus is an extremely resilient virus that targets rapidly dividing cells in a dog's body, primarily those lining the gastrointestinal tract and the bone marrow. This leads to massive fluid loss, internal bleeding, and a severely compromised immune system. Parvo is notorious for its ability to survive in the environment for months, making it easy to spread through contaminated soil, shoes, toys, blankets and clothes.
What Does Parvovirus Look Like?🧬
Symptoms to Watch For:
The clinical signs of Parvo usually appear within 5 to 10 days of infection. If you notice ANY of these symptoms in your dog, particularly a puppy, contact us IMMEDIATELY—Parvo is a true medical emergency:
• Severe Lethargy & Depression: Your dog is unusually tired, weak, or disinterested in food and play.
• Fever.🤒
• Severe, Persistent Vomiting:🤮 Often profuse, leading to rapid dehydration.
• Bloody Diarrhea:🩸Typically watery, severe, and accompanied by a very strong, foul odor.
• Loss of Appetite (Anorexia): Refusal to eat or drink.
• Rapid Weight Loss.
Preventative Measures: How to Protect Your Dog!
The good news is that Parvovirus is largely preventable!
1. Vaccination is Key!💉
Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect your dog.
• Puppies: A series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age is critical. Puppies need booster shots every 3-4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old to build strong, lasting immunity.
• Adult Dogs: Ensure your adult dog maintains up-to-date core vaccinations as recommended by your vet.
• Consult Us: If you’re unsure of your dog’s status, call us to establish the best vaccination plan.
2. Limit Exposure (Especially for Puppies)🚫
Until your puppy has completed their full vaccination series:
• Avoid Public Areas: Steer clear of dog parks, pet stores, public walking trails, and anywhere many dogs gather.
• Socialize Safely: Only allow playtime with fully vaccinated adult dogs in clean, controlled environments (like your own home).
3. Maintain Excellent Hygiene!🧼
• Cleanliness: If you suspect an area is contaminated, thoroughly clean and disinfect it using a strong solution of bleach (1 part bleach to 32 parts water) or a trusted veterinary-grade disinfectant like F10.
• Wash Hands: Always wash your hands after handling other dogs or visiting public areas before touching your puppy.
If you suspect your dog has Parvovirus or have any questions about their vaccination schedule, please contact us immediately!
Seadoone Veterinary Clinic
📞 031 903 3664 | 082 877 0050
📧 [email protected]
