Risk of Parvovirus

• Puppies younger than four months old are at the highest risk.
• Puppies who have yet to get all three sets of vaccinations by four months of age.
• Any unvaccinated or immune-compromised dogs are vulnerable.

What is Parvovirus

• A highly contagious virus that affects the digestive tract, preventing the absorption of food and water.

Symptoms of Parvovirus

• Loss of appetite
• Decreased water intake
• vomiting, and/or bloody diarrhea.
• Fever
• Depression
• Possible stomach pain

Parvovirus Exposure

• The virus lives for months in the environment.
• Easily transferred between surfaces such as shoes, clothing, and animal/human to animal contact.
• Resistant to temperature changes and most disinfectants.

Incubation and Shedding

• The incubation period for the virus is 3-7 days.
• Puppies can shed the virus before becoming sick.
• Puppies recovering from parvo continue to be contagious for 2 weeks.

Parvovirus Prevention

Proper administration of vaccinations is the best preventative measure.

• Follow a proper vaccination schedule for both puppies and adult dogs.
• Vaccinations given by a veterinarian should begin at 6-8 weeks of age, with two more boosters given every 3-4 weeks.
• Avoid public places such as parks, pet shops, grooming, etc., until fully vaccinated.
• Wash your hands and avoid handling other puppies and dogs not in your household. 

Parvovirus Treatment

• There is no cure for parvo, only supportive care can increase chances of survival.
• Medical treatment may take days to weeks to recover from the effects of parvo.
• Unfortunately, treatment does not always guarantee survival with this highly contagious disease.