What is Parvovirus and How Does It Spread?

Parvovirus is a highly infectious and often deadly virus that mainly affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs. It is resistant to normal disinfection and can survive in the environment for months to years, depending on humidity and temperature.

Some dogs may be subclinically infected, meaning they carry the virus without appearing sick—making it easy to spread. It only takes a tiny amount of virus to infect a new host.

How It Spreads:

• Sniffing or licking contaminated ground or objects
• Contact with infected dogs or their feces
• People’s shoes, clothes, or hands after contact
• Indirect exposure (e.g., licking paws after walking on contaminated grass)

The virus is shed in the faeces of infected dogs, and symptoms usually appear 3–7 days after infection.

Why Is Parvovirus Harmful to Dogs?

Parvovirus attacks:

• Digestive system: Prevents nutrient absorption, causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. The intestinal barrier breaks down, leading to bloody diarrhea and bacterial infection.
• Bone marrow: Destroys immune cells, leaving dogs vulnerable to secondary infections.
• Heart (in puppies under 4 weeks): Can cause serious complications.

Without treatment, the mortality rate for puppies is around 91%.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Severe vomiting
• Bloody or foul-smelling diarrhea
• Lethargy and loss of appetite
• Fever
• Dehydration

If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately—early treatment greatly improves survival chances.

Prevention Is Key

• Puppies need a series of vaccines starting at 6–8 weeks, then every 3–4 weeks until at least 16 weeks.
• Avoid parks and dog areas until your puppy is fully vaccinated.
• Keep your dog’s booster vaccines up to date.
• Clean contaminated areas with bleach (1 part bleach to 30 parts water)—most household cleaners won’t kill the virus.

Vaccination is the safest way to protect your pet. Adult dogs rarely get Parvo thanks to widespread vaccination, but yearly boosters are often recommended during annual check-ups.

What Should You Do Now?

✅ Check your pet’s vaccination status for Parvovirus, Kennel Cough, and Canine Distemper.
✅ If you’re unsure, call your local vet clinic—we’re happy to help.
✅ Share this post to protect other pets in your community.

📞 Talk to us today about protecting your pet from Parvo!