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26 ISSUE; EAST AFRICA KENNEL CLUB NEWSLETTER, APRIL 2018 4

Parvovirus Aftermath:

Disinfecting Your Home or Kennels

Fight back aggressively to prevent recurrence and spread
BY JANET TOBIASSEN CROSBY, DVM Photo by Nathiya Prathnadi / Getty Images

Canine parvovirus causes serious gastrointestinal illness Disinfecting the Environment
in dogs and can be fatal. Puppies younger than 16 weeks A diluted bleach solution can effectively disinfect
face the greatest risk of infection before they receive a full cleanable surfaces (never use it on an animal!). The
course of vaccination. This highly contagious virus can type of bleach leads to variations in the “strength,” but
survive for several months, so if you’ve received a parvo you can mix 1 part bleach to 32 parts water as a general
diagnosis or you suspect the presence of parvo in your rule of thumb. You can also purchase a commercial
home or yard, you should take immediate precautions to disinfectant formulated specifically for parvo.
prevent a recurrence or spread.
Wipe down all durable surfaces with the dilute bleach
Conditions for Parvovirus solution (test a small area first for potential colour
This ubiquitous virus can be found anywhere in almost damage), and soak your dog’s bowls and hard plastic
any environment, but it thrives in cool, moist, shady areas toys in it. Put bedding through at least one hot wash
and can survive for several months in these conditions. cycle, with bleach if possible, and use the high heat
The length of survival depends on many factors, setting on the dryer or hang items in the direct sun.
including temperature, humidity levels, and sunlight. Anything that cannot be safely cleaned with bleach,
Freezing temperatures actually protect the parvovirus, such as a porous collar, should be thrown away.
making it more prone to spread in winter environments.
Contaminated faeces and soil commonly spread the You may be able to dilute the virus on your lawn and in
virus, which dogs pick up when they sniff, lick or ingest other outdoor settings by flushing the area with large
the contaminated materials. Dogs can sometimes carry amounts of water. Upholstered furniture and carpeting
the virus without signs of illness, and pass it to other dogs pose a particular challenge; if you can’t apply a dilute
in social settings such as parks. bleach solution, high-temperature steam cleaning
may be effective. Otherwise, it’s best to wait four to six
Vaccination is the key to protecting your dog from weeks after a known parvo infection to bring another
infection; the vaccine activates the immune system to puppy into your home.
fight off the virus before it causes disease. Take special
care with more susceptible puppies: be mindful of NOTE: This article addresses environmental
the vaccination status and age of dogs they come into treatment for parvo. If you suspect your dog or puppy
contact with, and be extra vigilant with sanitation of has contracted the virus or been exposed to parvo,
your hands, shoes, and clothes, and their toys, bedding, please see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early
and bowls when you bring a puppy home. intervention greatly improves chances for survival.
PARVOVIRUS AFTERMATH: DISINFECTING YOUR HOME OR KENNELS