Parvo virus is a viral disease of dogs. The virus likes to grow in rapidly dividing cells. The intestinal lining has the biggest concentration of rapidly dividing cells. Therefore, the virus attacks and kills these cells, allowing for a loss of fluids from the intestines causing diarrhea (often bloody), depression and suppression of white blood cells which are used for immunity. This causes dogs and puppies to be unable to absorb nutrients or liquids. The major symptoms of Parvo virus infection are diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Typically the early signs of infection in dogs will be a decrease in appetite, fever, and the development a bloody, foul-smelling, liquid stool. Secondary symptoms appear as severe gastrointestinal distress. In many cases this causes dehydration, shock, and eventually death.

Parvo virus is probably the most common viral illness of dogs at the present time. Puppies are more likely to become infected with Parvo because they have an immature immune system. It can be difficult to successfully vaccinate a puppy at an early age because the antibody protection the puppy acquires from its mother can interfere with vaccination antibodies. Many vets recommend vaccinating puppies every three to four weeks starting at 6 weeks of age and continuing until they are at least 16 weeks of age and preferably 20 weeks of age. Parvo virus is highly contagious

How is Parvo transmitted?

Canine parvo virus is carried by dogs of any age. Adult dogs may be infected carriers who do not show clinical signs. Dogs with Parvo will shed the virus in their stool into the environment. The virus is very resistant in the environment, and can survive for as long as 9 months or longer. Extremely resistant, most disinfectants will not kill the virus, however chlorine bleach is effective. Any unvaccinated dog is at high risk for contracting Parvovirus. Parvo can be brought home to your dog on your shoes, hands and even car tires. It can live for many months outside the animal and in the environment. Any areas that are thought to be contaminated with parvo should be thoroughly washed with chlorine bleach diluted 1 ounce per quart of water. Generally, it takes 7-10 days from the time of exposure to the onset of symptoms. Parvo virus is specific to dogs and cannot be transmitted to humans or other pets of a different species, such as cats.

How is Parvo treated?

Without extensive treatment, the victims of parvo die from dehydration. There is no cure. Veterinarians can only treat the symptoms palliatively, and try to prevent dehydration and loss of proteins until the intestinal tract is able to support itself and start to reabsorb nutrients and water. Treatment includes giving large amounts of IV fluids, regulating electrolyte levels, controlling body temperature, strong antibiotics, giving medications to control vomiting and diarrhea, and occasionally a blood transfusion. Treatment of clinical signs is not always effective.
This is a very serious disease. Some puppies infected with parvovirus will die despite prompt and adequate treatment. While no extremely accurate statistics are available, a good guess is 70-80% of puppies infected with parvovirus who receive treatment will survive. Without treatment, the probability of survival is very small. It is vital that any dog with signs similar to parvo be checked by a veterinarian so that the proper diagnosis may be made. If the dog is positive for Parvo, it is imperative that he receive supportive therapy immediately to give them the best chance of survival.

How do I prevent the spread of Parvo?

The most effective way to avoid your dog from becoming infected with parvo is to adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule from your veterinarian. Puppies should not be allowed to socialize with other dogs or frequent areas where other dogs have been until 2 weeks after they have had their final vaccination of the puppy series. Immunization for parvo is usually included in what is commonly called a distemper vaccine. This vaccine also protects dogs from several other potentially fatal canine diseases. After parvo virus has been diagnosed in you pet, be sure that another dog is not brought into the home until you have thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and waited the appropriate amount of time. This includes making sure that the new dog is fully vaccinated and up to date with all his vaccines before coming into the house.