If you have recently brought home a new puppy, then your head may be spinning with all the vaccinations your vet has required or recommended. In most areas of the country, the parvovirus (often referred to as parvo) vaccination is required. Parvo is a very serious virus that, if left undetected or untreated, will result in the death of your pup. There are ways to detect and treat the symptoms of the virus, but your pet will require the expertise of a veterinarian.

What used to consist of one strain, there are now multiple strains of parvo. The virus is spread through animal feces, and some rodents can carry the virus. It can be contracted through the nose or the mouth, so a curious pup can pick up the virus easily. In the appropriate environment, the virus can live on innate objects (bedding, clothes, shoes, etc.) for up to five months. Even owners have to watch what they track into their home.

The virus can affect adult dogs, but it is more likely to affect puppies less than six months of age. The mother passes antibodies to the pups, blocking vaccine effectiveness for a short period of time. The preventative vaccination is given around six weeks of age and boosted every three weeks, since the antibodies are fewer by this time. Depending on the number of antibodies, some puppies do not respond to the vaccination until 18 weeks of age. Thus, there is a time period, known as the window of susceptibility, when the puppy's immune system isn't strong enough to fight the virus nor is the vaccination effective. During this time, owners must be extremely careful with their pups.

Contraction of the disease does not mean that the puppy will die, but there is a high chance of death. In most cases, vomiting and diarrhea are the first signs of parvo. The diarrhea may start with a yellow or gray color, but it will soon contain a fair amount of blood. The puppy may lose its appetite and become lethargic. Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of many problems, not just parvo. It is extremely important to take your puppy to the vet right away if the signs are present.

To detect the presence of the virus, the vet will run a variety of tests, including taking a count of the dog's white blood cells. As mentioned before, many illnesses have the same signs as parvo, so a vet may start parvo treatment even if the presence of the virus has not been completely confirmed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the virus. Instead, the symptoms and side effects are treated. The fluids that the dog is losing will be replaced with an intravenous injection. If the vomiting is severe, medication may be used to slow the vomiting. Since the dog's immune system has been compromised, antibiotics are often administered to prevent and treat secondary infections. Any other symptom will also be treated at this time.

The best way to prevent a dog from contracting the virus is the parvovirus vaccination. There are also things you can do to help keep you puppy safe until the vaccination takes effect. Stay away from dog parks and other public areas until your puppy has completed the vaccination series. When you take a trip to the vet, be careful to keep him away from other animals. If your home becomes infected, then you need to thoroughly disinfect any hard surfaces in your home with bleach, since the virus can survive months without a host. Any material that your puppy has come in contact with (bedding, toys, etc.) should be thrown out or properly disinfected.

Parvovirus is not something that can be left untreated. If your dog is showing signs of the virus (vomiting, yellow or gray diarrhea, lack of appetite, etc.), then you need to take a trip to the veterinarian right away. Your vet can determine whether or not your pooch is suffering from the virus, and he or she can begin treating the symptoms. The best way to avoid contraction of parvo is to get your dog vaccinated. Before the vaccination is in full effect, the dog should be kept away from public places. Parvo normally affects young puppies, but it can affect adult dogs.