Parvo In Dogs: A Complete Guide to Prevention And Treatment

Canine Parvovirus, a disease name that strikes fear into dog owners everywhere, is a very serious, highly infectious viral disease.

Parvo, as it is commonly referred to, can be very difficult to manage, especially in puppies and dogs that are not vaccinated. The virus can survive in the environment, and when it infects the dog, it attacks the body of the dog.

It is very important for each dog owner to know what details to understand about Parvo in dogs. By the end of this complete guide, you will learn everything from the first early signs of Parvo to medical treatment, to the most important section of all - how to avoid the disease altogether and keep your furry friend safe!

What is Parvovirus?

To defeat an enemy, you must first learn about it. So, what is Parvovirus? Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is a viral pathogen that emerged in the mid-1970s and, since its emergence, has become one of the most serious infectious diseases in dogs.

A highly hardy virus, it can remain in the environment for months, and may last even a year in some cases, and resist many common household cleaners! It is this resilience that allows it to be transmitted.

The most common question owners ask is, How do dogs get Parvovirus? The virus is shed in large amounts through the feces of an infected dog.

The transmission is through the fecal-oral route, which means if a healthy dog ingests microscopic particles of the virus, it is then infected. This can occur through:

● Direct contact: Sniffing or licking another infected dog.

● Indirect contact: Meeting an infected object or environment. This could be anything, including food and water bowl, collar, leash, bedding, and the hands and clothes of any person who has handled an infected dog.

Although all dogs are vulnerable, puppies between six weeks of age to six months of age are at the highest risk. Their immune system is still developing, but they have already lost the maternal antibodies.

Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Pit Bull Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and German Shepherds are believed to be more susceptible to parvovirus than other dog breeds.

Identifying Parvo Symptoms

Parvovirus can progress frighteningly quickly. A puppy is fine at the beginning of the day, and then 24-48 hours later, it’s very sick, although it appeared perfectly healthy.

It is important to recognize the symptoms of Parvo early to save your puppy's life. Parvovirus quickly attacks dividing cells - primarily lining cells in the intestines - which is where most of the gastrointestinal disturbance comes from.

The usual canine parvovirus symptoms include:

● Severe bloody diarrhea: This is the most recognizable symptom. The diarrhea will have a signature, horrible-smelling odor.

● Vomiting: The vomiting will be vigorous and constant. They may be unable to keep down food or water.

● Lethargy: An early sign of parvo is lethargy. You may notice an extremely sudden onset of lack of energy at this time.

● Anorexia: A refusal to eat or drink anything is more concerning.

● High fever or hypothermia: A dog may register a high fever in the beginning, but if the disease progresses into shock, its temperature can be shockingly low at this point.

● Abdominal Pain & Distension: The dog may yelp or cry when you touch its belly and may appear distended or of normal size.

These Parvo symptoms in dogs will quickly lead to severe dehydration, loss of electrolytes, septic shock, etc. If you see any of these signs, you are in a medical emergency. You MUST go call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital NOW.

Parvovirus Symptoms in Puppies

While the signs are the same across ages, Parvovirus symptoms in puppies are worse. Due to their size, it takes less time for dehydration and hypoglycemia to occur in a juvenile as compared to an adult dog.

Second, bacteria in the gut may be able to enter the bloodstream and cause infection if their intestinal barrier has been severely damaged. Finally, the less common form of the virus can cause sudden death in young puppies by affecting the heart muscle.

Canine Parvovirus Treatment

When parvo is suspected, the veterinarian will conduct a rapid test that will often include a fecal sample to confirm it. Unfortunately, there is no cure that kills the virus itself, and therefore, canine Parvovirus treatment creates avenues of supportive care that are aggressive in assisting the dog, its body, and immune system to withstand the viral assault.

Treatment almost always requires hospitalization and involves:

● Intravenous fluids (IV): The basis of the treatment. The IV fluids are used to rehydrate, treat electrolyte abnormalities, and treat low blood pressure.

●  Anti-emetics (anti-vomiting medicine): This will allow the veterinarian to address severe nausea and vomiting, which will effectively allow the gut to rest and recover.

●  Antibiotic therapy: These will provide coverage and fight secondary bacterial infections, which are a common and deadly complication.

● Nutritional Support: The financial cost of nutritional support could be quite high. Once the vomiting is under control, highly digestible, bland food is introduced. In more acute cases, a feeding tube could be necessary to deliver essential nutrients.

●  Pain Management: This is dependent upon the veterinarian's capabilities in alleviating severe abdominal pain.

Survival rates are upwards of 80-95% if the case has undergone rigorous veterinary care. However, treatment can be intensive and costly. Without treatment, the death rate is significantly high due to complications from the virus.

If you want to look after your pup’s health and avoid processed food, here are the top Homemade Vet-Approved Dog Food Recipes.

The Canine Parvovirus Vaccine: The Greatest Prevention

The veterinary community strongly agrees that "prevention is the best medicine". The only surest way to prevent infection of canine Parvovirus in dogs is through vaccination.

The vaccination scheme for puppies should start at about 6-8 weeks of age, with vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until age 16-20 weeks. If possible, complete the series because maternal antibodies can compromise the effectiveness of the vaccinations given to young pups.

Adults will receive booster vaccinations uated upon the completion of the last vaccination series; PAX Regulation has a timeframe of 1-3 years, often coinciding with a fitness attendance requirement.

For any vaccine protocol questions/resources, there are protocols for vaccination through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Common Questions about Canine Parvo

Can older dogs get parvo?

While older dogs can get Parvo, in almost all cases, this dog was unvaccinated, or didn’t obtain their complete puppy series, or the dog was in some other illness process, and became immunocompromised. This illustrates the reason for adult dogs to be up to date on their vaccines.

How Long Will a Dog Be Contagious with Parvo?

A dog can start shedding the Parvo virus in its feces 4 or 5 days after exposure, and most likely before any clinical manifestations become apparent. Dogs can continue to shed the virus in the feces for up to 10 days following a point of clinical recovery. It is critical for the infected dog to be isolated, and the area to be contamination-free as soon as you countersign discharge.

How do I disinfect my home once my dog has had parvo?

The canine parvovirus is one of the more challenging viruses to eradicate. Many of the common soaps and disinfectants we use on a daily basis are also ineffective against this virus. Therefore, bleach is the least expensive option for disinfecting surfaces like floors or eating bowls. 

Supporting Recovery and Future Comfort

The saga for dogs and Parvovirus does not stop when the pet comes home from the hospital. The recovery period is an important time in the pet's journey, and a quiet, clean environment and observance of the changing activity and diet are important. This is the time to pay special attention to the comfort of your pet.

At WOpet, we are committed to promoting the health and happiness of your pets through smartly designed products. If your pooch is recovering from parvovirus and your vet recommends you go back to letting them eat, we suggest a WOpet Automatic Pet Feeder.

The automatic pet feeder can dispense small, frequent meals, just as the vet suggested, without having to upset their still sensitive stomach. Wopet Pet Water Fountain encourages your dog and helps you keep their water clean. The constant stream will encourage drinking and help keep your dog hydrated.

Final Thoughts

Dog parvovirus is an important issue, but it is not insurmountable. Having your dog vaccinated, being familiar with the signs and Parvo symptoms, and bringing your dog to your veterinarian at the first signs of illness are all proactive measures we can take to help protect our pets from this illness.

More importantly, knowledge is power! Knowledge is what allows us to help our pets live long, happy, and healthy lives!