Parvovirus, also known as the canine parvovirus or CPV, is a serious and highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness and even death. It’s a serious illness that all pet owners must take into consideration.
With immediate vet care, many dogs can recover from parvovirus. However, it’s always recommended to start with preventive measures as soon as possible. This should be your top priority because parvovirus in dogs can be fatal.
In this blog, we’ll talk about what canine parvovirus is, from what it is to how it’s prevented.
What Is Parvovirus in Dogs?
Canine parvovirus is a viral infection that mainly affects a dog’s gastrointestinal system. It was first discovered in the 1970s and has quickly spread, becoming a common issue for dogs worldwide.
What makes the virus dangerous is its resilience, meaning it can survive on surfaces for long periods of time.
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. Even so, CPV-2 is the primary cause of the highly infectious disease. CPV-1 is considered to be significantly less severe, with only relatively mild symptoms in puppies.
In this case, the main virus we’re going to be talking about is CPV-2, the main reason for canine parvovirus disease.
How Do Dogs Get Parvovirus?
But how do dogs get parvovirus? Well, the virus spreads quickly, especially in spaces where dogs are in close contact. This can include places such as unhygienic dog parks, dog boarding facilities, and shelters. Only one infected dog is needed to infect an entire neighborhood of dogs.
The spread 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 waste, they can become infected by licking or sniffing.
Environmental Contamination. Parvo can survive on surfaces like floors and walls. They can also attach to leashes, bedding, toys, feeding bowls, and clothes. The virus is very hardy and resilient, capable of withstanding several disinfectants and chemicals.
Direct Contact. Direct contact with an infected dog is another mode of transmission. The risks increase when healthy and infected dogs are in enclosed areas such as pet hotels and those living in the same household.
What Dogs Are at Risk of Parvo?
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 contracting 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. Plus, they also haven’t finished their vaccinations at this age.
High-risk Breeds. Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to parvovirus. These breeds include Dobermans, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, English Springer Spaniels, and American Pit Bull Terriers.
Early Symptoms of Parvo in Puppies and Adult Dogs
When a dog or puppy contracts parvovirus, you’ll notice some symptoms within three to seven days after exposure to the virus. These signs are difficult to differentiate from other diseases since they share some similarities.
Lethargy. Your dog may appear unusually tired or lethargic and may not be interested in playing or engaging in activities that they often enjoy. Affected dogs may sleep more frequently with longer periods.
Loss of Appetite. Infected dogs often stop eating or drinking when infected with canine parvovirus. Even when given their favorite treats, they might not want to eat.
Fever. Your dog might have an elevated body temperature higher than usual. This indicates that the immune system is trying to fight off the infection.
Abdominal Pain. Since parvo attacks the 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 and become more severe, we recommend getting emergency veterinary care..
How Is CPV Diagnosed?
Examining the symptoms and condition of your dog will be the first step in diagnosing parvo in dogs. Age and vaccination records will also be helpful in the process.
Our vets also use a blood test to determine if a dog has parvo and assess its overall health. Infected dogs will typically have decreased white blood cells. When these methods show negative results, and your dog continues to show parvo symptoms, we may recommend additional tests.
We may use an ELISA test, particularly the Parvo SNAP Test (Fecal SNAP Test). This test is commonly used to detect parvo by using a stool sample from a dog. The sample is then mixed with a reagent and placed into the device. This mixture will flow across the test strip.
If the test strip brings a darker color, then the parvovirus antigen is present. This confirms the infection.
The Parvo SNAP Test is highly accurate. However, it can still show a negative result for infected dogs even when they haven’t started shedding the virus.
Another test our vets can use is the PCR test. Here, a sample of blood, feces, or saliva will be taken. In just a few hours, even a small amount of viral DNA will be amplified, allowing our vets to confirm the infection. The downside of this method is its high cost.
How Is Parvovirus Treated?
Unfortunately, there’s still no definite cure for parvovirus. However, our vets can provide supportive treatments to assist your dog’s recovery while managing symptoms until its body can fight off the virus.
Immediate Treatments
In the early stages of the infection, we can do Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. This method involves a one-time injection that has components that bind to the virus. These components help neutralize CPV and mitigate its effects on your dog. It can also speed up recovery.
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 parvovirus. Here, our vets will provide IV fluids to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by severe vomiting and diarrhea.
In many cases, we will prescribe anti-nausea medications and other appropriate medicines to help your dog recover.
Intensive Care
When a dog's parvovirus infection worsens, sepsis or blood infection can occur. In this case, more intensive medical care is needed.
In severe instances, we may need to do a plasma transfusion to help replenish the immunoglobulins, clotting factors, and blood proteins lost.
As we go on with treatment, we’ll also use a feeding tube to provide the nutrients your dog needs to recover.
Recovery and Aftercare for Dogs With Parvo
The effects of parvo in dogs can be taxing. Dogs may need a few days to a couple of weeks to recover. 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 are around 80 to 90%.
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.
Our vets may also recommend monitored exercises so you can observe if there are any complications or reoccurrences of the parvo symptoms. We would likely schedule a follow-up consultation to see how your dog’s condition is.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Parvovirus in Dogs
Prevention is always better than treatment, and vaccination is the best way to prevent parvo in dogs.
Puppies should receive their first parvovirus vaccine at the age of 6 to 8 weeks. Booster shots should then be scheduled throughout the first year. From then on, adults should receive annual booster shots.
In addition to vaccination, it's important to clean and sanitize your dog's living areas. The virus can survive on surfaces, bedding, and toys for months. This means that your dog will be at risk.
Bleach and cleaners with accelerated hydrogen peroxide are effective at eliminating the virus that resides within the environment. Lastly, regular checkups at the clinic are effective in finding issues that may not initially manifest symptoms.
"Vaccinating your dog against parvo is one of the best gifts you can give."
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Parvovirus in dogs is a deadly disease that affects your canine companions, but updated vaccination can offer 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.
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