A parvovirus-like illness has killed dozens of Michigan dogs - but there are ways to keep your pet safe: 1. Get your dog vaccinated. 2. Practice good hygiene. 3. See a vet as soon as your dog shows symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea. See more tips here.
A mysterious illness resembling canine parvovirus has killed dozens of Michigan puppies over the past few weeks, according to local officials.
So what is canine parvovirus, and what are the signs that dog owners should watch out for? Here is what you need to know about parvo — which can have a 90% survival rate if treated quickly — as well as some tips from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on how to keep your pet safe.
How does parvovirus spread? Parvo is highly contagious among dogs — it is not contagious to people or other animals, however. It spreads by direct dog-to-dog contact, as well as through contact with contaminated feces, environments or people. The virus is hard to kill, and even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog can harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into contact with it. So, good hygiene and staying up-to-date on vaccinations are both key to keeping dogs safe.
How is parvo treated? There is no specific drug available that can kill the parvovirus in dogs, so treatment centers around keeping the body stable until the pup’s own immune system can fight the virus off. Treatment should begin as soon as possible, and usually includes intensive care efforts to prevent dehydration by replacing fluids, protein and electrolytes that the dog may have lost with vomiting and diarrhea.
How can I keep my dog safe from parvo? The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shared some tips for dog owners to protect their pets, including:Prevention is the best form of protection, and health officials recommend getting puppies vaccinated within their first few months of life, followed by another dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they received earlier.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Michigan Dogs Getting Sick and Dying From Mysterious Parvo-Like IllnessA concerning number of dogs in and around the northern Michigan area have died from an illness similar to canine parvovirus.
Read more »
Dozens of dogs killed by mysterious parvo-like illness in MichiganA parvovirus-like illness has been sickening and killing dozens of dogs in northern Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture is investigating the outbreak and conducting tests.
Read more »
Officials share guidance after dogs get sick and die with mysterious parvo-like illnessA Michigan state department has said the dogs exhibited symptoms congruent with signs of canine parvovirus.
Read more »
Michigan officials probing mystery canine parvovirus-like disease after over 20 dogs dieMost of the dogs that exhibited parvo-like symptoms of vomiting or bloody stool passed within three days, and most were under 2 years old, the Otsego County Animal Shelter said.
Read more »
Mysterious parvovirus-like illness infecting dogs in Michigan, killing as many as 60 dogsDogs are experiencing common symptoms of canine parvovirus, but some are testing negative for the virus at veterinary clinics.
Read more »
Michigan Dogs Getting Sick and Dying From Mysterious Parvo-Like IllnessA concerning number of dogs in and around the northern Michigan area have died from an illness similar to canine parvovirus.
Read more »