Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dogs body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Symptoms can include lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite, and bloody diarrhea that can lead to serious dehydration.
The virus can live in the environment for months and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpets and floors. It can be transmitted by any person, animal, or object that comes in contact with an infected dog's feces. Puppies, adolescent dogs, and canines who are not vaccinated are most susceptible to the virus. Protect your dog by making sure he or she is up to date on vaccinations. It is recommended that puppies be vaccinated with a combination of vaccines that take into account risk factors for exposure to various diseases.
There are no drugs that kill the virus. Treatment consists of intensive care in a veterinary hospital. Treatment also is not always successful so it's especially important to make sure your dog is vaccinated.
ALIVE Rescue hosts its 7th Annual Pet Bowl at Timber Lanes, 1851 E. Irving Park Rd., Chicago. Family Bowl from 4-6 p.m. and Adult Bowl from 9:15 p.m.-12:45 a.m. Tickets are $35 per person in advance, $40 at the door. Includes unlimited bowling, shoe rental, vegetarian/vegan buffet, raffle, live auction.