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Why do dogs get parvovirus?
Dogs may get parvovirus due to improper diet, exposure to cold, infection by other dogs, or internal parasite infections. After the dog becomes infected, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and bloody stools may appear. If not treated in time, the dog may die. Therefore, to avoid infecting dogs, it is recommended that owners regularly vaccinate their dogs.
Improper diet
Eating leftovers
Leftovers are easy to spoil and may contain a large amount of bacteria. Once dogs eat them, they are prone to contracting parvovirus.
- Oily diet
Dogs have poor digestion and cannot tolerate oil. Foods high in fat, such as meat, can easily damage their gastrointestinal health, causing vomiting and diarrhea, and increasing the risk of parvovirus.
- Eating various bones
Bones are dangerous for dogs, especially those of chickens, ducks, and fish. Eating them can easily scratch the dog's intestines and cause gastric perforation. Other bones can also cause constipation or even anal rupture.
- Drinking milk
Milk has a high molecular content that is difficult for dogs to absorb. Moreover, it contains a large amount of lactose, which dogs cannot digest. This can easily cause diarrhea and vomiting due to lactose intolerance.
- Exposure to cold
After dogs get cold, their stomachs become sensitive, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, which may trigger inflammation of the intestine and parvovirus.
- Infection by other dogs
The transmission rate of parvovirus is terrifying. It usually infects dogs through contact with the feces, urine, vomit, and secretions of sick animals. If healthy dogs come into contact with sick dogs, they are easily infected with the parvovirus.
- Internal parasites
Regular deworming of dogs is crucial for pet owners. If dogs are not dewormed regularly, their stomachs lack antibody immunity, making them vulnerable to parvovirus. At this point, parasites will multiply and damage gastrointestinal health, eventually turning into enteric parvovirus.
Note: Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease with a high contact transmission rate. It has a high mortality rate in dogs. Puppies, dogs with poor nutrition, those who have not been vaccinated or have vaccine failure, are easily infected.