Why are small dogs prone to parvovirus?

Infectious diseases in dogs account for a significant proportion and are more likely to affect young puppies than adult dogs. This is not only due to the immature and weak physical condition of the puppies, but also related to many external factors, such as the owner's feeding methods and vaccination status.

Reasons why small dogs are prone to parvovirus:

1. Improper diet: Some dog owners only feed their dogs milk and human food. This is unwise. It is well-known that a person who does not drink milk frequently may experience diarrhea if they suddenly consume it. This is because prolonged abstinence from drinking milk reduces enzyme levels, causing stomach discomfort and diarrhea in dogs. It also provides a favorable opportunity for viruses to attack the dog's body.

2. Inability to adapt to the environment: Puppies are generally less able to adapt to external conditions than adult dogs, making them more susceptible to stimulation from certain environmental factors. Most puppies are easily infected because they do not experience stress in unfamiliar environments, resulting in a stress response.

3. Bathing: Bathing is a health hazard for puppies who have just arrived at their new homes. Almost always, they will have some adverse reactions after taking a bath. These may include runny nose, lack of energy, and other symptoms. In severe cases, there may be vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever.

4. Incomplete vaccination: Basically, adult dogs have completed their vaccination series, which naturally gives them a better ability to resist infectious diseases than puppies. Incomplete vaccination can also lead to a failure to achieve immunity, which is one of the reasons why puppies are prone to minor illnesses.

Vomiting and diarrhea are common problems in dogs but can also be early warning signs of parvovirus infection. Sometimes, a dog will vomit when they ingest dirty substances or when their stomach is uncomfortable. This is a self-protective response. If the dog vomits occasionally, it's nothing to worry about. However, if the frequency of vomiting is too high, it's best to consult a veterinarian immediately.

Additionally, we should observe the contents of the dog's vomit. If it consists of recently eaten food that hasn't been fully digested, there are several possibilities: the food is difficult to digest, too strong or too much; if the dog has been eating for a while and has digested the food, it may be due to unclean food, food unsuitable for dogs (such as milk, which contains substances that are not digested or tolerated by a dog's stomach, causing excessive stomach acid secretion), or unclean feeding utensils. Diarrhea may be caused by cold or unclean food. If the dog is small, its stool will have a particularly foul smell. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no smell, but it becomes increasingly noticeable in the middle and later stages. The most severe symptom is bloody diarrhea.

With the advancement of medicine, the cure rate for parvovirus in small dogs is relatively high, so owners don't need to worry. As long as they receive systematic treatment and careful care, the chances of recovery are still considerable.