Parvovirus in dogs: what you need to know

Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is highly contagious and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Prevention is always best. Learn about the signs to look out for, treatment options, and how you can prevent it.

How is parvovirus transmitted?

The virus is highly contagious and can infect dogs of any age, but commonly affects puppies aged 6 weeks to 6 months old. Unvaccinated dogs are most at risk.

Dogs get exposed to parvo by ingesting the virus, which may be through direct contact with an infected dog. It could also occur when they sniff or eat the faeces (poop) or vomit of an infected dog. A dog can also contract parvo if their eyes, nose or mouth come in contact with a contaminated object, such as bedding, food and water bowls, carpet, shoes, clothing, and human hands.

Canine parvovirus is hardy in the environment (such as grass at a park) and is difficult to kill, as it is resistant to many household disinfectants and cleaners. This makes it very easy to spread.

What are the symptoms of parvo?

Look out for the following signs, which might indicate parvovirus in a puppy or dog:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Vomiting
• Severe, often bloody, diarrhoea

If you suspect your puppy or dog has any of these symptoms of parvovirus, bring him to your primary veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately. Also, try to keep him away from other dogs if possible.

Persistent vomiting and diarrhoea can cause rapid dehydration and damage to the intestines and the immune system. This in turn may lead to sepsis, which is the body’s extreme reaction to an infection.

If not promptly and effectively treated, the dehydration, septic shock, and stress on the animal’s heart can be fatal.

How is parvovirus diagnosed?

Parvovirus infection is often suspected based on: medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

Faecal testing can then confirm the diagnosis.

It is recommended that any puppy or unvaccinated dog with signs of vomiting and diarrhoea be tested for parvovirus. A relatively quick test can be performed by looking for the virus in the faeces or a swab of the rectum.

Sometimes, blood work may be required, as some pups could be anaemic from losing blood in the intestines, or have very low blood sugar levels (due to severe illness and a lack of sugar reserves in young puppies).

Ways to prevent parvovirus infection

Prevention is always better than treatment, especially as there is no cure for canine parvovirus.

Vaccination and good hygiene are the top two ways to prevent parvo.

What is the treatment for parvo in dogs?

There is no known cure for parvovirus. Treatment for parvovirus involves supportive care to address the symptoms (such as vomiting and diarrhoea) and to build up the dog’s immune system so that it is strong enough to fight off the viral infection.

Patients with canine parvovirus require close monitoring and intensive care. Ideally, they should be hospitalised so that they can get the care and attention they need, and be isolated from other patients.

It is possible for a dog to survive a parvo infection — but it depends on the patient’s age, size, and how sick he is when the owners first seek veterinary attention. There is a higher chance of recovery if treatment starts swiftly, when illness first sets in.

Without medical treatment, there is a low chance of survival from canine parvovirus.

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