Deadly dog virus is spreading across Arizona. Veterinarians say it’s preventable.
Canine parvovirus cases have increased by 250% in Arizona compared to the same period last year, according to Dr. Victoria Schwertner of VEG ER for Pets. The highly contagious virus attacks a dog’s immune system and digestive tract, posing the greatest risk to puppies between six weeks and six months old.
Dr. Schwertner, who treats patients at clinics in Phoenix and Chandler, reports a significant spike in emergency room visits. She notes that symptoms often appear quickly, requiring immediate emergency services to manage the illness.
Why is parvovirus spreading in Arizona?
The virus is exceptionally hardy and spreads through contaminated surfaces. According to Dr. Schwertner, parvovirus can survive on floors and lawns for up to two years, making containment difficult for pet owners.
Dallas Elliott, whose rescue German Shepherd mix survived the virus as a puppy, warns against taking unvaccinated dogs to public places. Her dog, now 13 years old, required hospitalization after experiencing rapid onset of vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
What are the warning signs and treatments?
Pet owners should watch for a loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, and vomiting or diarrhea, which may or may not contain blood. Dr. Schwertner urges owners to act quickly if these signs appear.
There is no antiviral treatment for the disease. Medical intervention is limited to supportive care designed to help the dog’s body fight the infection on its own.
How can pet owners prevent infection?
Vaccination is the only way to entirely prevent parvovirus. Dr. Schwertner states that vaccines are saving lives, noting that many puppies die from the virus despite the availability of a simple vaccine.
Puppies without a complete vaccine series are the most vulnerable. In addition to medical prevention, Elliott suggests obtaining pet insurance to cover potential emergency costs.
Where to find low-cost vaccinations in Arizona?
Several clinics offer affordable shots to help curb the spread. In the Phoenix area, the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) Community Vet Clinic is open Saturdays, and the Arizona Humane Society provides appointments via its campuses and Healthy Tails Mobile Vet Clinic azhumane.org.
Other Phoenix options include SNiP Vet snip.vet and Vetco Clinics located inside Petco vetcoclinics.com. In Tucson, low-cost options include ABC Vaccination Clinics, Arizona Spay Neuter, Pet Care Tucson, and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
What may happen next?
If vaccination rates do not increase, the virus may continue to persist in public spaces due to its ability to survive on surfaces for years. This could lead to a sustained number of emergency room visits for unvaccinated puppies.
Increased utilization of low-cost clinics may help reduce the infection rate, though the environmental resilience of the virus means contaminated areas could remain a risk for some time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dogs are most at risk for parvovirus?
Puppies between six weeks and six months old, especially those who have not completed their vaccine series, face the greatest danger.
Can parvovirus be cured with medicine?
No. According to Dr. Schwertner, there is no antiviral treatment; only supportive care is used to help the dog fight the infection.
How long does the virus stay in the environment?
The virus can survive on floors and lawns for up to two years.
Is your pet up to date on their vaccinations?