Parvo Outbreak Worries UK Puppy Parents

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
A spike in the number of Parvovirus cases seen in puppies across England has owners on alert for signs of the deadly disease.


In the United Kingdom, the deadly Parvovirus has been occurring more and more in puppies, and veterinarians are warning puppy parents to look for signs of the disease.


The disease is being seen more in puppies sold by not-so-reputable breeders and in puppies who have not had vaccinations yet.


Related: Are Anti-Vaxxers To Blame for Rise in Canine Parvo Cases?


The diseases does not mean automatic death for puppies who contract it, but their owners must get them into the vet as soon as they can so the treatment can begin once Parvo is diagnosed. Treatment within the first 48 hours the virus is present can literally mean the difference between life and death. Treatment is costly; often including days of intravenous fluids, medicines and sometimes even transfusions of blood and plasma.


Experts claim that the Parvovirus is the most terrifying dog disease there is, second only to what is called Alabama Rot. Parvo prevents puppies from absorbing nutrients from food by attacking the puppy’s stomach bacteria and lining, and this can lead to dehydration and death.


Parvo is spread through a dog’s spit or feces, and often in breeding situations where hygienic practices are not employed, it’s seen more. Typically it is seen in puppies, but older dogs can be affected too.


Related: 5 Reasons Why Dog Poop Doesn’t Make Good Fertilizer


John Fishwick is the president of the British Veterinary Association and said that it’s imperative that dogs’ vaccinations are current and that pet owners bring their dogs in at the first signs of possible Parvo cases. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, depression, lethargy and lack of interest in eating.


In the Lincolnshire area alone, 12 cases of Parvo were diagnosed in just 48 hours, and throughout the summer, the areas of Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire and Yorkshire also so spikes in diagnoses.

Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

More by Lori Ennis

Next