Parvovirus—often called “parvo”—is one of the most serious infectious diseases our veterinary team sees in dogs and puppies. It spreads easily, progresses quickly, and can be deadly without treatment. The good news? Parvo is almost entirely preventable with timely vaccinations.
Whether you’re caring for a growing puppy or an adult dog, learning about parvo can help avoid expensive emergency care, heartache, and unnecessary suffering.
What is parvo?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs, puppies, and some wildlife. Humans cannot get sick from parvo, but we can carry the virus on our hands, clothing, or shoes and accidentally expose our pets.
Parvo primarily attacks cells that divide quickly, which makes certain parts of a dog’s body especially vulnerable:
- Intestinal tract: Damage here leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and an inability to absorb nutrients. Bacteria can also enter the bloodstream when the intestinal tract lining isn’t in good shape.
- Bone marrow: Parvo suppresses white blood cell production, making it hard for the immune system to fight infection.
- Heart (in very young puppies): In rare cases, parvo can cause sudden cardiac issues.
Without treatment, parvo can be fatal in some cases. Early action makes a life-changing difference.
How parvo spreads
Parvo spreads through direct or indirect contact with infected feces. The virus is extremely tough and can survive months in soil, kennels, bedding, bowls, toys, clothing, and flooring.
Dogs and people can carry virus particles on paws or fur, shoes, hands, leashes, bowls, crates, and other equipment. Because parvo is so resilient, even a brief encounter with a contaminated surface can expose an unvaccinated dog.
Symptoms of parvo
After a dog is exposed, signs usually appear within 3-7 days.
Early symptoms
- Lethargy
- Fever or abnormally low body temperature
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
Progressive symptoms
- Severe vomiting
- Diarrhea (often bloody and very foul-smelling)
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Weakness or collapse
Additional symptoms in puppies
- Rapid heart rate or breathing
- Weight loss
- Low blood sugar or low white blood cell counts
- Signs of sepsis from intestinal damage
If your dog or puppy shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Preventing parvo
Because parvo is shed in feces and lingers in the environment, prevention requires a combination of vaccination and smart hygiene.
1. Vaccinate against parvo and other diseases
Puppies are extremely vulnerable to deadly diseases like parvovirus because their immune systems are not fully developed. For this reason, the DAPP vaccine is often started around 6 weeks of age. However, they can be started earlier, especially for puppies in higher-risk environments.
This vaccine helps protect against distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DAPP). The DAPP vaccine series and other core dog vaccinations are completed between 16 and 20 weeks to ensure full protection during this critical period. Even after puppyhood, adult dogs need routine booster vaccinations essential to maintain protection and prevent life-threatening illness.
2. Balance socialization and risk until vaccination is complete
Puppyhood is a crucial dog socialization period that helps them grow into relaxed, confident, and enjoyable canine companions. Guardians should balance smart socialization and the risk of disease until vaccination is complete. Puppies who haven’t finished their vaccine series should avoid:
- Unvaccinated and incompletely vaccinated adult dogs and puppies
- Dog parks
- Sidewalks or public spaces visited by many dogs
- Areas where vaccination status is unknown
Playdates with healthy, fully vaccinated dogs at home or in classes with other puppies are usually safer alternatives.
3. Practice good hygiene
- Remove stool promptly
- Disinfect surfaces with a solution proven to kill parvovirus, such as diluted bleach
- Wash your hands after handling unknown animals
- Avoid sharing bowls, toys, or bedding with unvaccinated dogs
How parvo is diagnosed
The most common diagnostic tool is a fecal SNAP ELISA test, which uses a small fecal sample and provides results in about 10 minutes. Your veterinarian may run additional tests to guide treatment.
Treatment for parvo
Treatment for parvo may include:
- Hospitalization (for moderate to severe cases)
- IV fluids to combat dehydration
- Antiemetics to control vomiting
- Antibiotics to prevent or treat sepsis
- Electrolyte correction for imbalances
- Blood sugar support, especially for puppies
- Early nutritional support, sometimes with syringe feeding or feeding tubes
- Pain management when appropriate
- Canine parvo monoclonal antibody (CPMA), when recommended by the veterinary team
Most dogs who respond to treatment begin improving within 5-10 days. Parvo treatment is often intensive and can cost thousands of dollars. By comparison, a DHPP vaccine, which typically costs around $50, is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your dog.
Schedule your puppy’s vaccines today!
The DHPP vaccine protects against parvo and several other serious diseases. Completing the full puppy series and staying up to date on boosters dramatically reduces the risk of infection and helps prevent outbreaks in our community.
Prevent parvo by vaccinating your dog, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding high-risk environments. If you have questions about vaccines for your dog or need help getting started, our veterinary team is here to help.