This week’s segment features Midnight, the 16-week-old French bulldog!! š¾ Midnight came to us shortly after being adopted by his owners when he developed vomiting, lethargy, and severe diarrhea. When puppies present with these symptoms, we become extremely concerned for the possibility of parvovirus. Canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a highly contagious and often deadly virus that primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It spreads through contact with infected feces or contaminated surfaces and can survive in the environment for months. Once infected, dogs typically develop severe symptoms such as vomiting, bloody diarrhea, extreme lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite. These signs can progress quickly and require immediate veterinary attention as they will become life-threatening.
Parvo is diagnosed through a simple, non-invasive fecal test. While there is no direct cure for the virus, aggressive inpatient supportive care is essential for survival. Most dogs require hospitalization for IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics, and close monitoring. Hospital care significantly increases the chances of recovery. However, due to the infectious nature of parvo, strict isolation must be adhered to to prevent spread to other animals/patients. Thankfully for Midnight, his owners elected for inpatient hospitalization and care, and after several days, Midnight started to recover.
The best way to protect your dog is through timely vaccination and by avoiding high-risk areasālike dog parks or boarding facilitiesāuntil your puppy is fully vaccinated. If you notice any signs of illness, donāt wait. Parvo is a true emergency, and early intervention can make all the difference, as in the case of Midnight!! š¾