Parvo in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Vaccine

One minute, your puppy’s bouncing off the walls. The next, they’ve skipped a meal, thrown up their breakfast, and are curled up in the corner looking miserable.

That tail tuck and tummy trouble may have you worried — and for good reason. The culprit could be canine parvovirus (CPV), commonly known as parvo. It’s a scary word for any dog parent. Parvo is a tough, sometimes deadly, virus that no family wants to face. 

But here’s the good news: Parvo in dogs is preventable, and with swift care, treatable. 

If your pup has been diagnosed with parvo, we know how overwhelming it can feel. As an owner, you’re scared, stressed, and Googling symptoms at 2 a.m. When your best friend’s hurting, all you want is a way to make it stop. 

The key to treating — or preventing — parvo is understanding what you’re up against. From how it spreads to the signs of parvo to watch for, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know. Most importantly, we’ll share steps you can take to protect your dog and stop the spread of this dangerous virus, so you can focus on keeping your pet safe and healthy.

What is canine parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus (CPV), or parvo, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily targets a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. It can also affect the heart, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.

The virus disrupts the gut’s protective barrier, causing an inability to absorb nutrients and leading to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. At the same time, it reduces white blood cell counts, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of secondary infections. 

How does a dog get parvovirus?

Parvovirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces, such as shoes, clothes, collars and leads, food bowls, and toys. When a dog is diagnosed with Parvo, veterinarians have to wear full PPE, including shoe covers. Vet techs that have pets at home are usually recommended to not interact with their own pets if they have come in contact with Parvo for fear you will spread it with your shoes or clothes.

The virus finds its way to your dog through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces, contaminated environments, or objects. Once inside the body, the virus attaches to rapidly dividing cells, particularly those in the intestinal lining, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. It invades these cells, replicates, and destroys these cells, leading to a cascade of health issues. 

The virus can survive for up to nine months, depending on its surface, making it even more difficult to control its spread.

Puppies are at a higher risk of contracting parvovirus due to their curious nature and tendency to put things in their mouths; however, adult dogs who have not been properly vaccinated are also susceptible to the virus.

Parvovirus symptoms in dogs

Parvovirus symptoms typically appear within 3 to 7 days after a dog has been exposed to the virus. 

One of the earliest signs of parvo is lethargy, often followed by a loss of appetite and fever. Vomiting and severe, often bloody diarrhea are additional symptoms, leading to rapid dehydration and weakness. 

Common symptoms of parvovirus include:

• Lethargy 
• Loss of appetite 
• Fever 
• Vomiting 
• Bloody diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Dehydration 

The virus can progress rapidly, and early intervention can make a significant difference in a dog’s chances of recovery. Seek veterinary attention quickly.

Signs of parvovirus in puppies

Puppies sick with parvovirus often exhibit more severe symptoms due to their still-developing immune systems. Initial symptoms for parvo in puppies may include fatigue and a sudden decrease in appetite, followed by repeated episodes of vomiting and (often bloody) diarrhea.

Younger dogs with parvo may experience abdominal pain, fever, or, in some cases, a drop in body temperature as the infection progresses. 

How is parvo diagnosed?

If you notice any of the common symptoms of parvovirus, schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can conduct a thorough examination. Many symptoms of parvovirus are also symptoms of other diseases and could be serious in their own right.

The veterinarian will likely examine your dog’s abdomen and then perform an ELISA stool test to test its feces for the virus. 

What is the treatment for parvo? 

Although there is no cure for parvo, veterinary care is crucial to give infected dogs the best chance of recovery. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the dog’s immune system until it can fight off the virus.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a vet may prescribe medications to address diarrhea and vomiting, administer electrolytes to prevent dehydration, and provide intravenous fluids to maintain adequate nutrition. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be needed, and antibiotics might be prescribed to prevent or treat secondary infections that arise due to the dog’s weakened immune system.

Parvo is not a disease that can be effectively treated at home. Without professional care, the virus can quickly become fatal, especially in puppies or dogs with compromised health. Recovery time varies depending on the dog’s health and the severity of the infection, but many dogs treated by a veterinarian recover within 5-10 days. With proper care, the survival rate is between 68-92%, making timely intervention critical.

Is my dog at risk for parvo?

Puppies born to a dog vaccinated for parvo are born with some antibodies; however, these begin to wear off around week six of life. This is why puppies between six and 16 weeks old are most susceptible to parvo. Puppies receive a series of vaccinations within this age range, and they do not reach full immunity until after the full series is complete.

Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to Parvo than others. These include Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and American Staffordshire Terriers.

The parvovirus vaccine

The best way to prevent parvo is to follow your puppy’s vaccine schedule. The parvo vaccine is part of the DHPP vaccine, a core vaccine highly recommended for all dogs. DHPP stands for distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza, and parvovirus, protecting your puppy from multiple dangerous diseases. 

Puppies between 6 to 16 weeks should receive a series of at least three doses of the DHPP vaccine. These doses are typically given at intervals of three to four weeks. One year after the initial vaccine series, puppies should receive a booster to maintain immunity. After that, dogs should receive a DHPP booster every three years to stay protected. 

How to stop the spread of parvo

Stopping the spread of parvo involves more than just vaccinating your dog against the disease. 

• Clean and disinfect areas where infected dogs may have been. Use a bleach solution to sanitize surfaces, as parvovirus is highly resilient and can survive for months. Pay special attention to cleaning food and water bowls, bedding, and toys, anything an infected dog’s saliva may have come in contact with. 
• Restrict your puppy or unvaccinated dog’s exposure to high-risk areas. Avoid taking them to dog parks, kennels, or other places with dense dog populations until they are fully vaccinated.
• Always supervise your dog’s interactions with other dogs to prevent contact with potentially infected animals. 
• Practice good personal hygiene by washing your hands and changing clothes after handling unknown dogs, as the virus can hitch a ride on shoes or clothing.

Why parvo awareness matters

Raising awareness about parvo and taking preventative measures can make all the difference in protecting your pet. With the right information, a commitment to vaccination, and proper hygiene, the risk of contracting this dangerous virus can be significantly reduced. 

Even with the best precautions, unexpected illnesses can still occur. This is why having pet insurance is essential for any responsible pet owner. A Pumpkin pet insurance plan can help cover up to 90% of eligible veterinary bills for accidents and illnesses, so you can focus on helping your pup recover. Protect them as they deserve, starting now.

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