Due to the extremely mild winter in Odessa, there has recently been an increase in the number of Canine Parvovirus cases in Ector County, according to a news release from the Odessa Police Department.
The virus is extremely resilient and must be disinfected properly in order to rid the virus in your home, yard or fence. Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog’s feces. It can live in the environment for months and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors.
The following are some prevention tips for protecting your animals:
- Keep puppies five months of age and younger away from pet superstore floors, dog park grounds, and anywhere else sick or recently adopted dogs might roam.
- Carry puppies across animal hospital floors and don’t let them sniff dark corners.
- If your dog is sick, avoid taking him to public areas.
- Promptly dispose of your dog’s waste in a safe manner.
- The ASPCA recommends cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces and objects with household bleach in a 1:32 dilution. Let the bleach sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
- Wash your hands and change your clothes soon after handling a dog that is sick or might have been exposed.
- Do not take your puppy or unvaccinated dog to places where you are unsure of the vaccination history of other dogs.
Canine Parvovirus is a virus that invades the gastrointestinal tracts of puppies and dogs and produces signs of illness including:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Severe, explosive, and often bloody diarrhea
If your dog is experiencing any of these signs, please see your local veterinarian immediately.
