From symptoms to vaccination, all you need to know about the parvovirus outbreak among dogs in UP

The recent increase in number of parvovirus cases among dogs in UP has left pet owners worried with 40 cases being reported every week, along with 2 pet dogs succumbing to the parvovirus outbreak in Lucknow.

Largely seen to be affecting puppies and young dogs, the outbreak is a usually a cause of worry in the winter season but for the first time, it has spread in the summer months, according to veterinarians.

Canine Parvovirus or CPV is an extremely contagious disease that can spread from dog to dog via direct or indirect contact, even through their feces. If the cases go untreated, the mortality rate with this virus can reach as high as 91% and the dogs need to be hospitalized for treatment.

Parvovirus symptoms include vomiting and loss of appetite while in the later stages, dogs infected with the virus are also seen vomiting blood. Traces of blood might also be found in canines suffering from this infectious disease.

It is noteworthy that the infection is rarely seen in older dogs and is the most common in pups that are two to three months old. If you notice similar symptoms in your puppy, take them to veterinarian as soon as possible.

Once parvovirus is detected in a dog, they are immediately put in quarantine and are fed through intravenous drips. This is done because the diet for the infected dogs is stopped as they fail to digest anything and throw up food and water fed to them.

Having said that, vaccination is easily the most effective way to protect dogs from parvovirus disease. So, make sure to give your pets the initial combo of parvo shots (one shot every 3-4 weeks until they're 16 weeks old) followed by yearly booster shots.