Parvovirus Information From Our Carol West Chicago Vet

At Carol Stream Animal Hospital, our West Chicago vet is committed to serving your pet with outstanding care and unrivaled compassion. We offer a wide range of services in our office, ranging from preventative care to treatment for serious medical conditions. We also proudly serve the areas of Wheaton, West Chicago, and Carol Stream.

With recent increases in cases of parvovirus in dogs, now is a fitting time to remind pet owners of the dangers of parvovirus and what they can do to prevent it.

What You Need to Know About Parvo Virus

When it comes to diseases that can affect pets, parvovirus is one of the most contagious out there. Specifically, parvovirus is a virus that is known to attack dogs, spreading rapidly once a dog contracts it. The cells of the virus divide and multiply quickly, which can lead to attacks of the blood cells, heart damage, and other severe and life-threatening repercussions. 

Typically parvovirus is transmitted through contact with an infected dog, or even contact with a shared toy, food bowl, or water bowl. Unfortunately, the virus can live on surfaces for months, so it doesn't take much for a dog to contract this virus. Symptoms can vary from one dog to the next, but some of the more common symptoms we see include:

• vomiting
• overall lethargy
• lack of appetite
• bloody stools

A dog who has any of these symptoms should seek vet care immediately, especially if it is believed the dog may have been in contact with a dog who has parvovirus.

The good news is that parvovirus is usually preventable with a simple vaccination, which we offer right here in our office. This vaccination also includes protection against distemper, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza in dogs.

Schedule an Appointment With Our Carol Stream Veterinarian

If your dog is not yet vaccinated against parvovirus, now is the time to schedule an appointment with our Carol Stream veterinarian. You can reach our office by calling (630) 462-7888 to set up a vaccination visit with our vet serving West Chicago, Wheaton, and the surrounding areas.

Is your pet protected against parvovirus?