Symptoms of Parvovirus in Adult Dogs

Adult dogs infected with parvovirus usually exhibit prominent symptoms such as frequent vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and rapid dehydration. Parvovirus infections in adult dogs are often caused by a lack of antibodies in the body to resist the virus, so it is necessary to take the dog to the pet hospital on time to receive vaccinations daily. The ways adult dogs become infected with parvovirus include direct contact with infected dogs and indirect contact with the excrement or objects used by infected dogs. Generally, sudden changes in husbandry management, long-distance transportation, cold stress, and other factors can trigger the disease.

Firstly, the clinical manifestations of parvovirus mainly present as enteritis, with a few cases of myocarditis. The cure rate for adult dogs with parvovirus is usually higher than that for young dogs. Enteritis-type symptoms include frequent vomiting, severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, and the excretion of fetid, rotten tomato-like feces. Blood tests show an increased hematocrit and decreased white blood cells. Myocarditis is more common in dogs under 3 months of age. Patients often have no obvious clinical symptoms or only mild diarrhea, followed by sudden heart failure, difficulty breathing, and death in a short time.

Secondly, when adult dogs haven't been vaccinated or have incomplete vaccination, they lack enough antibodies to resist the virus. When the dog's resistance is low, it is prone to parvovirus infection. The incubation period of parvovirus is usually 1 to 2 weeks, with strong infectivity. Therefore, when a dog is infected with parvovirus, it is necessary to isolate it in time and prevent healthy dogs from contacting the infected dog and its objects. Disinfect the dog's living environment promptly and do not raise new dogs for a short period.

Lastly, when a dog is 45 days old and in good health, it is essential to take the dog to the pet hospital for vaccination in a timely manner. During the vaccination period, do not bathe the dog or let it contact unfamiliar animals outdoors. Dogs that have just been adopted or moved to a new environment should be fed and observed at home for at least a week before going to the pet hospital for vaccination. Adult dogs also need to be vaccinated on time every year to ensure their health.