Dogs that develop the disease show symptoms of the illness within 3 to 7 days. The symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, fever, and diarrhoea (usually bloody). Diarrhoea and vomiting result in dehydration and secondary infections can set in. Due to dehydration, the dog’s electrolyte balance can become critically affected. Because the normal intestinal lining is also compromised, blood and protein leak into the intestines leading to anemia and loss of protein, and endotoxins escaping into the bloodstream, causing endotoxemia. Dogs have a distinctive odour in the later stages of the infection. The white blood cell level falls, further weakening the dog. Any or all of these factors can lead to shock and death. The first sign of Parvo Virus is lethargy. Usually the second symptoms would be loss of appetite or diarrhoea followed by vomiting. If your dog has the following symptoms, consult your vet. If parvovirus is the cause, early treatment is essential. Common signs of parvovirus include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea (may be bloody)
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
