Protect Your Puppy Against Canine Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a viral disease that is common among canines. It is typically more present in puppies than older dogs as their cells are rapidly dividing. It attacks and kills the cells causing extremely severe symptoms and is most commonly fatal unless diagnosed and treated soon after exposure has occurred.

We tend to see parvovirus most often in the summertime as it can live on the ground and is commonly found in popular outdoor areas where other canines with the virus have defecated and the stool has not been cleaned up properly.

The virus can live for 5-9 months, whether indoors or out, and sometimes even years in certain conditions. It can be carried into your home by your pets, on your shoes, clothing, and car tires.

The symptoms of parvo do not show immediately. It can take up to a week before a pet shows any signs of infection before they begin to decline.

Symptoms to look out for include:

· Lethargy

· Lack of interest in food

· Depression

· High fever

· Vomiting

· Bloody, liquid, or yellowish diarrhea

Treatment for parvo is aggressive and can be very expensive. The infected dog must be quarantined for several days in a veterinary hospital while remaining on IV fluids and medication the entire time.

If the virus has been detected early enough, there is typically a good outcome, however, if detected during later stages and the pet is saved, quality of life is low and would require extensive care for the remainder of the pet’s life. In most cases of late detection, the pet’s life cannot be saved.

Parvo vaccines come in a series of 4 booster shots that are administered 3-4 weeks apart, typically starting when a puppy is 6 weeks of age. If an older dog has never had the vaccine or it is out-of-date, this is also suggested as they can still be susceptible.

Until a puppy has been fully vaccinated, it is suggested that they do not run around in unfamiliar areas where the virus may be present, or spend any time around other dogs unless you are 100% sure that the other dogs have been fully vaccinated and are currently up-to-date. 

Although ALL dogs (especially puppies) can be affected by parvo, there are certain breeds whose genetic makeup makes them more susceptible. These breeds are Labradors, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds.