Survey Shows Dog Owners Misunderstand Parvo

Respondents see parvovirus as a high-risk disease, but know less about treatment, prevention.

Posted: March 29, 2010, 2 a.m. EDT

Mixed breed dog A national survey of dog owners indicates that 84 percent understand that canine parvovirus (CPV) is a “high-risk” disease threat to dogs. Respondents were less informed about the disease, how it spreads and when dogs should be vaccinated, according to the survey conducted for Merial Brand pet vaccines by WMS Marketing.

In addition, the survey showed that 42 percent of owners believe that dogs recovering from CPV can’t transmit the disease to other dogs. However, recovering dogs may serve as carriers and shed the virus periodically.

Dog owners were also mistaken about the signs of CPV, as a majority (89 percent) agreed it targets the central nervous system. In fact, CPV is an enteric disease and no studies have shown it to affect the central nervous system.

While many sick dogs display no clinical signs of CPV, they can experience lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

Bob Menardi, veterinary spokesperson for Merial, said preventive care and protection is hard to accomplish when dog owners don’t have a grasp on the basic attributes and possible effects of this potentially fatal disease. “This survey allows us an opportunity to educate dog owners on the clinical signs, treatment facts and preventive measures for canine parvovirus,” he said.

JOIN CLUB DOG NOW

Get 1,000 points! What's this?

4 of 11 Comments

View All 11 Comments

Give us your opinion on Survey Shows Dog Owners Misunderstand Parvo

Stephanie North Canton, OH

3/31/2010 6:57:29 PM

Yikes!

bob&anna dubuque, IA

3/30/2010 7:32:12 PM

Our dalmatian Missy had the parvo disease is serious,because she got it at 3months old. I was watching her she was having diarrhea and vomiting. We took her to the vet. They did the test and gave us the bad news. They say to use pepto bismol and use baby aspirin. Gave her baby food and yogurt for a few days. After a week she pull out of it. Now at 7months old you would not now she had parvo. And Missy enjoying life now with no problems.

Kim Lakeside, CA

3/30/2010 6:21:36 PM

As a dog trainer who works inside a pet store, I am always telling people to keep their new 8 week old puppies off the ground because of nasty stuff like parvo. When I first got my puppy, i would always leave me work shoes out side before I came in.

Ann Bowling Green, KY

3/30/2010 5:24:01 PM

(CPV) IS NOT TO TAKE LIGHTLY! Get your puppy
shots!
My first puppy contracted (CPV) shortly after getting spayed,we got her rabbie shot but forgot about reg. puppie shots. She was 6 1/2 months old when she got sick, luckly we caught it in the
early
stage . She came through treatment with flying colors, but it cost us over $800.00 to save her life. I can't have childern ,so she's my (kid). Since then a year later I addoted another puppy. Belive me he's gotten all his shoots so far!!!!!