Preventing Heatstroke and Parvovirus in Dogs
Featured in Houston Pet Talk, August 2024 issue
By Dr. Noaker
As an emergency hospital, we see a wide variety of illnesses and injuries all year long. However, during the summer, two of the most common and preventable conditions we treat in dogs are heatstroke and parvovirus (parvo).
Considering a Puppy in Summer?
With the kids home from school and more free time, you might think summer is the perfect opportunity to get a new puppy! It can be a great time to focus on training and helping a young dog acclimate to your family and its routines. We support the idea, as long as the family is ready for the commitment!
Puppies and Heat Sensitivity
It’s important to remember that puppies are especially heat intolerant. Their growing bodies are full of energy, and they just want to play! But the summer heat can be dangerous, especially here in Houston, where the combination of heat and humidity can quickly become deadly. Puppies, like all dogs, can burn their delicate paw pads on hot concrete and pavement.
Don't forget that a closed car can reach temperatures of 150°F in no time, and cracking the windows is not enough to prevent heatstroke. Dogs are at risk because they don’t sweat; their only means to cool down is through panting, which is ineffective in extreme heat and humidity. For puppies, the safest approach is to limit their time outside to bathroom breaks only.
The Risk of Parvovirus (Parvo)
Puppies also need to stay inside to avoid the risk of parvovirus. Your puppy will need a full series of vaccines to be protected from this highly contagious disease. Parvo can be spread not only through contact with infected dogs or their feces but also by fomites. Fomites are objects like shoes, clothing, furniture, or grass that can carry the virus and easily transfer it to your puppy without you knowing.
Parvo is extremely difficult to eliminate from the environment, living for at least a year on surfaces, and it can infect unvaccinated puppies and even adult dogs. Until your puppy has completed its vaccinations, it’s crucial to avoid dog parks, walks, pet stores, and visits with other dogs to minimize exposure.
How Parvovirus Affects Dogs
Parvo attacks the white blood cells and gastrointestinal tract of unvaccinated dogs, and some breeds are more susceptible than others. Vaccination is essential in preventing this deadly disease. While treatment options have improved, cutting down on recovery time and saving lives, it’s still important to take preventive measures.
At our hospital, we have an isolation unit for treating contagious diseases like parvo. Critical care includes correcting dehydration, managing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, preventing other infections, and providing nutritional support. Despite all efforts, survival isn’t guaranteed, making vaccination and prevention key.
Follow Your Vet’s Vaccination Schedule
Be sure to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian to keep your puppy safe from parvo. For adult dogs, boosters are recommended every three years, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
