Parvo Virus in Puppies; Does my Puppy really need it and why - Essay Example

In this case, the dogs cannot survive where the feces have been dropped anywhere. This makes the disease highly contagious and in the end very risky to the animals. The feaces that contain the virus serve as containers for the virus, and they are transmitted once they get in contact with surfaces such as cages, floors and other objects (Wade, 2). The virus does not discriminate on the dogs that it attacks, but it is highly infectious on puppies that are below four months and have not been vaccinated.

However, the disease is more infectious on other breeds such as the Rottweiler and the Doberman pinscher. These breeds also have very severe results when they are infected. The disease also has its own symptoms that identify it. They comprise loss of appetite, fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy and death after 48 or 72 hours from the day of infection. This shows that the disease is highly dangerous, and it is in the best factor that preventive measures are taken. In any case, when the signs are seen in the animals, more so the puppies, it is wise to see a veterinarian as fast as possible (Kahler, 2).

Over the years, veterinarians have diagnosed the disease based on clinical appearances and laboratory tests. In as much as there is no specific drug that can be used to kill the virus and cure the dogs, the treatment of the dog is done in a slow process. This treatment normally starts with primary efforts such as; rehydration since the dog is extremely dehydrated from the diarrhea. This is also done to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Proper cleaning and disinfection of kennels is considered one of the greatest ways of preventing contamination by the virus; thus reducing the risks that come along with the disease.

To ensure that the cleaning has been effective, it is always advised that one should contact a veterinarian for advice on