Ever taken a dog on a walk and encountered another dog's poop? If so, there's a chance they were exposed to canine parvovirus (parvo), one of the most contagious and deadly viruses for dogs – especially puppies.
Parvo can kill up to 91% of dogs if left untreated and is often spread through contaminated dog feces. That means one sniff or lick, or even a stroll through where infected dog poop has been, and there's the threat of pup exposure.
Making matters worse, parvovirus is the ultimate survivor. The virus is resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and drying and can sometimes survive in the environment for up to a year.1
But if you were to ask, most pet owners know very little about parvo. In fact, only 44% of total dog owners actually know what parvo is and 20% have no idea.2
Although it’s one of the most contagious and deadly dog viruses, up until now, there has not been an official way to report or track parvo in the United States. Elanco is changing this with the first-ever online parvo tracking tool, ParvoTrack – powered by Elanco.
ParvoTrack provides game-changing data and the ability to search parvo cases by zip code, as well as self-report new cases. ParvoTrack also allows visitors to sign up at www.stopparvo.com to receive alerts of parvo outbreaks in their area.
“ParvoTrack empowers pet owners and the veterinary community by making data more accessible to better protect dogs,” said Dr. Jennifer Miller, in-house veterinarian at Elanco Animal Health. “We hope ParvoTrack, and its interactive and user-friendly interface, will serve as a catalyst in our mission to save 1 million puppies from parvo by 2030.”
Pet parent preparedness and education are essential to help protect dogs throughout parvo season. Most parvo-positive puppies who die from the virus, die within about 48 to 72 hours of diagnosis.
“Parvo is a nasty virus,” said Dr. Miller. “Because minutes matter for survival, we encourage dog owners to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of parvo, so they can seek veterinary care earlier in the course of the disease.”
ParvoTrack also features a “Find a Vet” tool so pet owners can identify animal health professionals in their area that offer the first and only conditionally approved targeted parvo treatment, Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA).
The Monoclonal Antibody treatment has been shown to help dogs get better more quickly, advancing the fight against this deadly disease.
How to protect your dog against parvovirus:
Beware of the poop.
Parvo is spread through an infected dog’s feces, so it’s important to keep your dog away from other dogs’ feces.
Observe your dog.
If they have any of the signs and symptoms of parvo, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, call your veterinarian and get them checked.
Consult your veterinarian on treatment options and availability.
If your dog tests positive for parvo, ask your veterinarian about Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody. You can also use the Find a Vet tool to see which veterinarians in your area stock the antibody.
Sign up for alerts on ParvoTrack!
- For parvo-positive cases, you and your veterinarian should report the case on ParvoTrack – powered by Elanco at StopParvo.com to help drive awareness of the virus's presence.
- Check ParvoTrack – powered by Elanco at StopParvo.com and sign up to receive parvovirus outbreak alerts in your area.
Sources:
2 Elanco Animal Health. Market Data on File.
