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Parvovirus: What you need to know

Oct 11, 2022

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If you have dogs, you should be aware of the signs of parvovirus, how to minimize its spread, and the current treatments for it. This is a highly contagious and fatal illness that spreads, and kills, quickly. The first and most important piece of information you need to know is that time is of the essence when you suspect a dog in your care has contracted parvovirus. Veterinary attention and treatment represent their best chance of recovery.

Preventing parvovirus is key


Though it is possible to treat parvovirus, and many dogs do recover when treatment is sought quickly, preventing your dog from getting parvovirus is still the best possible option. Vaccinations are, of course, the most effective way to protect your dog, especially when it is a puppy. Dogs are most likely to die from parvo between the ages of two and eight months. However, vaccination is not a guaranteed way to prevent your dog from ever getting it. The most effective prevention methods are:

  • Limiting exposure to unvaccinated dogs

  • Keeping a clean house or kennel area

  • Regular booster vaccines and check-ups

  • Ensure that kennels and sitters you use require parvo vaccinations from all animals


If you take these measures, you will seriously limit the chance of your dog contracting parvovirus. Unfortunately, no preventative measure can eliminate the chance of infection.

The symptoms are easy to miss


One of the main issues with spotting parvovirus in a dog is the fact that so many of its symptoms can be confused with the symptoms of other diseases. For example, lethargy and rapid weight loss are common symptoms of parvovirus but can also be indicative of diabetes mellitus. The most common symptoms of parvovirus are:

  • Lethargy

  • Loss of appetite

  • Weight loss

  • Vomiting

  • Abdominal pain and bloating

  • Severe and prolonged diarrhea

  • Entirely liquid and bloody diarrhea


Abdominal bloating and bloody, liquid diarrhea are some of the most extreme and hard to miss symptoms of parvovirus, but they are also indicators that the illness has progressed. If you see these symptoms, you should proceed to a vet directly for testing and treatment.

Treatment and quarantine are essential for survival


Speed is crucial when it comes to parvovirus, and while the current perspectives on the illness are always evolving, the main treatment remains electrolyte management, IV drips, and medication for secondary infections. Unlike other illnesses and infections where there is a distinct and highly effective treatment, treating parvo is still a matter of supporting the body’s immune system and treating symptoms to increase the chance of recovery.

If you have multiple dogs in your home, hygiene and quarantining are important. While dogs cannot transmit parvovirus to people, you could carry infection to your other dogs if you come into contact with your infected dog (particularly its bodily fluids). Quarantining a sick dog should be no issue as vets usually wish to keep an animal with parvovirus in the hospital during treatment, but it is still a good idea to have your other dogs tested. Even if your other dogs have no symptoms, you should test them as they could be infected with parvo for up to seven days before showing symptoms.