Parvo is often associated with young dogs with weak immune systems, but unfortunately, parvo can occur in older dogs. Pet owners will often forget how fatal and deadly parvo is once their dog receives the proper vaccines, but older dogs can still catch parvo.
It can be quite challenging to detect parvo in a senior dog; if the only parvo symptoms the dog shows are lethargy and lack of appetite. However, both parvo symptoms can be associated with old age, and owners could dismiss parvo entirely.
Here, we will talk about what parvo is in dogs, how to treat it, and most importantly, how to keep your dog safe during its most vulnerable years.
What Is Parvo in Dogs?
Mild diarrhea known as parvovirus was discovered in 1967, and since then, it has become a serious threat to dogs’ health. This is because the virus is very hard to kill and can live a long time in the environment. And because the virus poses a significant risk to your canine health, a parvo vaccine is essential for puppies and dogs.
Parvo is a highly contagious virus caused by parvovirus; if left untreated, it could lead to death in 90% of the cases. It’s transmitted from one dog to another through direct contact with contaminated feces. It is preventable with proper vaccination.
Is Parvo Airborne?
Even though many believe that parvo is airborne, studies show contrary results. As we said, parvo is transmitted from one dog to another or by coming in contact with a surface within the environment, indicating that parvo is not airborne. Parvovirus can live outside, on surfaces, for months, if not years.
Can Older Dogs Get Parvo?
Your dog’s age is not a crucial factor in whether it can catch parvo. Even though it’s most common among young dogs, they gradually lose their mother-given immunity; every dog is susceptible to parvo, especially those that haven’t been vaccinated or received booster shots.
Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds are more susceptible to contracting parvo, but that doesn’t exclude all other dogs from catching this highly contagious virus.
What Are the Stages of Parvo in Older Dogs?
While it commonly affects puppies, an adult dog can get infected if exposed to the virus.
Infection period
Your dog can quickly get parvo if exposed to fecal material from an infected dog. Often the fecal material can be on:
- Clothes or other inanimate objects that come into contact with the contaminated feces
- The mother of the dog (with younger dogs)
- The environment – pet stores, dog parks.
Incubation period
The incubation period, a period before the dog shows clinical signs, lasts around 3-8 days. During this period, the virus attacks the most rapidly dividing cells, and once it has multiplied and entered the bloodstream, the first ones to attack are the bone marrow cells and the cells that line the walls of the small intestines.
Parvo symptoms
Senior dogs will experience the same symptoms, or nearly the same, as a puppy. But unfortunately, many dog owners dismiss the signs entirely, firmly believing that an older dog cannot catch parvo.
Your god may contract parvo if exposed to canine parvovirus with sick or recently vaccinated puppies.
After the incubation period, dogs will show the following signs:
Lethargy
Often the first sign of parvo in adult dogs, as well as in puppies, is lethargy. But how do you know if your dog is lethargic, especially if your dog is infected with parvo during the changing seasons, as dogs tend to be more active in winter and lazier in the summer?
If you suspect your dog is lethargic, look for signs like slow reaction or lack of interest in playing.
Sudden loss of appetite
In many cases, your dog might withhold food which is often another sign of parvo infection.
Pet parents often raise concerns about food that hasn’t been touched for more than a day.
And while it is not uncommon for your dog to experience a loss of appetite from time to time, in most cases, if the dog has missed more than one meal, it could indicate a parvo infection.
Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea
An infected dog shows signs of high fever, severe diarrhea, or vomiting, often followed by a strong smell. The vomit or poop has a distinct metallic smell often associated with parvovirus. If the infection advances, your dog’s vomit and diarrhea could contain blood.
Dehydration and signs of anorexia
Eventually, the parvovirus leads to dehydration and starvation since the digestive system cannot absorb water and nutrients, and lots of fluids are lost to vomiting and diarrhea. Moreover, the decrease in white blood cells also inhibits the immune system, not allowing it to fight off the virus effectively.
Parvo might lead to a severe medical condition that, if not treated properly, could result fatally. Moreover, more severe cases occur with dogs with diabetes or other chronic diseases.
Dogs that lose the fight against parvo die due to dehydration, shock, or septic toxins entering the bloodstream.
So, if your dog shows some of these signs, visit your veterinarian immediately.
Treatment and Prognosis for Canine Parvo in Old Dogs
When the virus infects the bone marrow, it attacks the young immune cells, leading to a drop in the white cells, preventing your dog’s system from fighting the virus. From here, the virus quickly attacks the gastrointestinal tract containing the GI tract to:
- Prevent fluid loss in the stool
- Absorb nutrients
Your veterinarian can confirm canine parvovirus with a rectal swab or fecal testing within 10 minutes.
If the parvo test is positive, your parvo dog might need to stay in the veterinary clinic for some time to receive the proper care to kill parvovirus entirely. Usually, supportive care includes intravenous fluids for hydration, antibiotics for secondary infection, antacids, pain meds, and anti-nausea medication.
Depending on how well the dog responds to the treatment, the treatment can last from a few weeks to several months.
Once the dog’s health betters, the dog owners can continue with the parvo treatment at home. In cases where infected dogs show mild symptoms, you can take care of it at home.
Is there a natural way to treat parvo in old dogs?
While you may find numerous natural remedies, from oat water to chicken broth to natural antivirals, do not try them out without consulting a veterinarian. There are higher chances of your older dog fighting off the virus if you follow the veterinarian’s advice and act accordingly.
Preventing Parvo in Senior Dogs
The best way to prevent parvo in adult dogs is proper vaccination. This includes the three puppy shots that need to be taken during the first three months and the boosters every one or three years.
Besides your dog being properly vaccinated, a few other things need to be taken into account since, as your dog grows older, you’ll need to limit walks in the dog park or visits from unvaccinated puppies.
- Prevent exposure
Another way to prevent parvo in senior dogs is by limiting their daily walks in dog parks to a minimum or stop bringing them into the parks altogether. You could also fence your backyard to prevent contact with your neighbor’s dogs.
- Don’t allow visits from unvaccinated dogs.
Don’t allow interaction with a young puppy that isn’t fully vaccinated. Younger unvaccinated dogs have a higher chance of transmitting parvo to other dogs.
As for younger puppies – keep them away until they’re fully vaccinated. Even though the parvo vaccine is not 100% effective and doesn’t guarantee complete protection against canine parvovirus attacks, it still provides significant protection and reduces the risk of infection.
Can an Old Dog Get Parvo Twice?
The answer is yes; unfortunately, an older dog can get infected by parvo twice. But, dogs that receive the proper medical care will survive Parvo. However, since parvo causes a weakened immune system that impacts your dog’s ability to overcome other strains, your dog won’t be protected against the new strain.
Cleaning After Parvo
Parvovirus is not an easy virus to clean, and if not cleaned properly, it will continue to spread and attack your dog time and time again. Here are four cleaning products that can kill canine parvovirus.
- Bleach
- Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide
- Potassium peroxymonosulfate
- Chlorine Dioxide
Note: You shouldn’t use Bleach on all surfaces as its fumes are dangerous for dogs and humans. You can use bleach when laundering bedding or if you decide to spray on surfaces, make sure to mix 30 parts water to 1 part bleach.
Also, if you go with the second cleaning variant- Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, look for the one used in hospitals and vet offices. You can use hydrogen peroxide along with Potassium peroxymonosulfate.
FAQs
Bottom Line
Now that we’ve answered the question “Can Older Dogs Get Parvo”, you are completely aware of the possible consequences. Canine parvovirus is a deadly and contagious disease, and there might not be time to wait and see how the disease advances. If you notice any signs indicating parvo, immediately drive your dog to a veterinary clinic for your furry best friend to receive the proper supportive care.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7129782/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195561693503054
Related topic: Why are your dogs’ eyes watering?
*photo by 6bears – depositphotos
