Parvovirus, also known as the canine parvovirus (CPV), is a serious and highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness and even death. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are highly susceptible to contracting the virus.

With immediate vet care, many dogs can recover from parvovirus. However, it’s still best to protect your dog from the parvo through vaccination and other preventive measures. This should be your top priority because parvovirus in dogs can be fatal.

Understand what parvovirus is, how it’s transmitted, the symptoms to watch out for, and the best ways to prevent your dog from contracting this disease.

What Is Parvovirus in Dogs?

Canine parvovirus is a viral infection that mainly affects dogs' gastrointestinal systems. It was first discovered in the 1970s and has quickly spread, becoming a common issue for dogs worldwide. The virus is resilient and can survive on surfaces for long periods.

Parvovirus in dogs is similar to feline panleukopenia, the virus’ counterpart in cats. However,  these two types of viruses are species-specific, meaning that CPV can’t affect cats, and dogs can’t get infected by feline parvo.

However, canine parvovirus has multiple strains, and there have been reports that one CPV strain may occasionally affect cats. 

How Do Dogs Get Parvovirus?

Parvovirus in dogs is contagious and can spread quickly, especially in places where dogs are in close contact. These places include dog parks, dog boarding facilities, and shelters.

Only one infected dog is needed to infect an entire neighborhood of dogs since the virus is resilient and can survive for months on surfaces in the environment.

Transmission of parvovirus in dogs is a simple concept. It begins with a single parvo-infected dog. Here are ways dogs acquire this disease:

• Infection via Feces – Dogs shed parvovirus through their feces. When a dog comes in direct contact with an infected animal's excrement, they can become infected through licking or sniffing.

  
  

• Environmental Contamination – Parvovirus can survive on surfaces like floors and walls. They can also attach to leashes, bedding, toys, feeding bowls, and clothes. The virus thrives under extreme temperatures. Cleaning with detergents and most disinfectants doesn’t affect the virus, either, so eliminating it can be challenging.

  
  

• Direct Contact – A dog that comes in contact with an infected animal can be a reason for the virus to spread. The risks increase when healthy and infected dogs are in enclosed areas such as pet hotels and those living in the same household.

Factors That Increase Risk of Parvovirus Infection

While all dogs are at risk of getting infected by parvovirus, the risks are higher in certain cases. Dogs that have weak immune systems and certain breeds are more vulnerable to contraction parvovirus.

• Unvaccinated dogs – Dogs without complete and updated vaccinations are at higher risk of getting infected by the virus.

  
  

• Puppies – Young pups under five months old are the most vulnerable to CPV since their immune systems are still developing. They don’t have complete vaccinations, and they will only get complete core vaccines by the age of five months.

  
  

• High-risk breeds – Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to parvovirus. These breeds include Labradors, Chihuahuas, and Golden Retrievers.

Early Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs and Puppies

When a dog or puppy contracts parvovirus, you’ll notice some symptoms within three to seven days after exposure to the virus. As a dog owner, you should know these signs to get prompt vet care for your pet when you notice them.

• Lethargy – Your dog may appear unusually tired or lethargic and may not be interested in playing or engaging in activities that they often enjoy.

  
  

• Loss of Appetite – Infected dogs often stop eating or drinking when infected with canine parvovirus.

  
  

• Fever – Your dog might have an elevated body temperature than usual. It could be a simple fever or a symptom of parvovirus.

  
  

• Abdominal Pain –  Since parvo attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal system, your dog may appear uncomfortable or have a bloated stomach.

  
  

• Vomiting and Diarrhea – These symptoms are key signs that your dog has parvovirus. You must watch out for watery diarrhea with blood or mucus and frequent vomiting.

If your dog’s symptoms worsen, they may experience more serious issues like difficulty breathing or collapsing. It’s important to contact emergency veterinary care if you suspect your dog may have canine parvovirus. 

Diagnosing Parvovirus in Dogs

When you notice parvovirus, you must bring your dog to the vet immediately. At the clinic, veterinarians will diagnose your pet to confirm if it has CPV.

One test vets may conduct is the Parvo SNAP Test (Fecal SNAP Test). This test is commonly used to detect parvo by using a stool sample from a dog. This method is highly accurate. However, it can still show a negative result for infected dogs even when they haven’t started shedding the virus. 

Vets also use a blood test to determine whether a dog has parvo because infected dogs will have decreased white blood cells. When these methods show negative results, and your dog continues to show parvo symptoms, the vet may recommend additional tests.

How Is Parvovirus Treated?

Unfortunately, there’s still no cure for parvovirus. However, veterinarians can provide treatments to support your dog’s recovery while managing symptoms until its body can fight off the virus.

Immediate Veterinary Care for Canine Parvovirus

• Hospitalization and Supportive Care – Dogs with parvovirus are often hospitalized to receive the best care possible. Isolating them in the pet hospital will also prevent the spread of the virus to your dogs.

  
  

• IV Fluids and Electrolyte Balance – Vets will give an infected dog IV fluids to help prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by continuous vomiting and diarrhea. 

  
  

• Antibiotics and Anti-Vomiting Medications – Parvovirus compromises a dog’s immune system and makes it susceptible to secondary infections. To prevent this, vets may administer antibiotics. Medications for vomiting may also be given to manage this symptom.

Intensive Care for Severe Canine Parvovirus Cases

When a dog's parvovirus infection worsens, sepsis or blood infection can occur. In this case, more intensive medical care is needed.

• Sepsis and Secondary Infection Treatment – Antibiotic therapy can treat sepsis in dogs. Other medications can also be administered if the dog develops secondary bacterial infections.

• Nutritional Support – When a dog cannot eat or drink, vets may use a feeding tube to ensure it receives nutrition, which is crucial in battling parvo.

Canine Parvovirus Recovery and Aftercare

Parvovirus recovery can take a few days to a couple of weeks. This will depend on how early the dog is treated and how severe its case is. Most dogs that are given early vet care often recover within 48 hours.

If the virus is not detected or treated early, the dog’s life will be in grave danger. With early detection and proper pet medical care, the chances that a dog survives parvo is around 90%.

Caring for a Canine Parvovirus Survivor

Caring for a dog that has survived parvo requires extra attention, as it may require a bland diet with easy-to-digest food. You may need to prepare your dog’s special diet daily until it can eat its usual dog food.

Vets may also recommend monitored exercises so you can observe if there are any complications or reoccurrences of the parvo symptoms. Your vet would likely schedule a follow-up consultation to see how your dog’s condition is.

How to Prevent Parvovirus in Dogs

Prevention is always better than treatment, and vaccination is the best way to protect your dog against parvo. 

Puppies should receive their first parvovirus vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks old, with booster shots scheduled throughout the first year. After that, dogs should receive annual booster shots to maintain immunity and compliance with the local regulations in Dubai.

In addition to vaccination, keeping your dog’s environment clean and sanitized is important. Since canine parvovirus can survive on surfaces for months, cleaning your dog’s favorite spots and items regularly, like floors, sleeping spaces, toys, and bedding, can help minimize the risk.

Conclusion

Parvovirus in dogs is a deadly disease that affects your canine companions, but updated vaccination offers significant protection. 

By keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date, avoiding contact with infected animals, and maintaining a clean living environment, you can greatly reduce the risk of your dog contracting this dangerous virus.

If you suspect your dog has parvovirus, immediately get them to the veterinary clinic. With prompt treatment, many dogs make a full recovery.