Symptoms of Canine Parvovirus: Key Indicators Explained

Section 1: Sources of Canine Parvovirus Infection

The primary source of canine parvovirus infection is the infected dog itself. This highly contagious virus can be transmitted through both direct and indirect contact. Infected dogs carry the virus in their feces for an extended period, which serves as a means of shedding the virus and infecting other healthy dogs. Notably, the feces of an infected dog can not only affect canines but can also infect other species, such as wolves and foxes.

Section 2: Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Enteritis Caused by Canine Parvovirus

1. Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs: Initially, vomiting may consist of undigested food, but it progresses to mucus and yellowgreen fluids. Dogs may then experience persistent vomiting and severe diarrhea, starting with gray, yellow, or milky white mucous stools, which later become foulsmelling, tomato saucelike or coffeecolored stools. The frequency of defecation can vary greatly.

2. Dehydration: The enteritis can lead to rapid dehydration in dogs within 1 to 2 days, resulting in weight loss, sunken eyes, reduced skin elasticity, cold extremities, listlessness, and ultimately, death.

Section 3: Symptoms of Nonsuppurative Myocarditis Caused by Canine Parvovirus

1. Cardiac Excitation: The myocarditis begins with an increased heart rate and palpitations, making even mild exercise cause the heart to race. After exercise, the heart rate does not return to normal quickly.

2. Shortterm Damage to Myocardial Cells: This can lead to heart failure, loss of compensatory heart function, and symptoms such as cyanosis, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, and eventually, death, accompanied by a marked decline in the dog's vitality.

The above outlines the symptoms of canine parvovirus. For more information on treatment methods, you can watch Dr. OxygenPet's video on "How to Treat Canine Parvovirus." Click here to learn more.