Dogs often get infected by canine parvovirus, which, in simple terms, is called “parvo”. This virus is very contagious and mainly affects dogs that are young and have yet to be vaccinated. According to Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital, young dogs that fall in the age bracket of 6 weeks to 6 months are the most vulnerable to parvovirus. To see the furry member healthy, dog parents can get it vaccinated when they are 6,8 and 12 weeks old, but at that point, the pet owner must complete the whole series of vaccinations so the dog can fight against the virus instead of making the individual upset.
Did the introduction trigger you to learn more about this specific parvovirus so you can tell that your furry friend needs help and you can rush to the vet? Then, you need to read this blog till the last word. We will discuss what a parvovirus is, how it spreads, the symptoms, stages of the virus, diagnosis, treatment, and additional tips.
What Is Parvovirus In Dogs?
First, as a dog parent, it is essential for you to understand what exactly this viral infection is. Canine parvovirus is a very contagious virus that can survive in the environment for long periods. According to Zoetis, it can do so for 5 months or longer. Your unvaccinated dog or young puppy can become its victim when it comes in direct contact with the faeces of the already infected dog or any other contaminated surfaces, which means it is touched by the ill dog. These can be in the shape of the ground, hands of other people, kennels, clothing, and objects as well. After coming in contact with the affected surfaces, the virus can travel through the paws or fur of the dogs as well.
The attack of the virus begins at a rapid pace, and it happens when cells start dividing in the body, usually targeting the bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract of your dog’s stomach. Meanwhile, in young puppies, the virus can also impact the heart muscle.
According to the PowisVets, CICADA, the national disease surveillance project, around 5000-6000 cases of this canine infection continue to be seen throughout the United Kingdom. Recently, bigger outbreaks have also seen the light of day, especially in those areas where owners don’t get their pets vaccinated. They further said that dogs living in and around Brierley Hill are at equal risk of getting infected by this virus as much as residing in other areas.
DVM360 shares that Canine parvovirus, or CPV, spreads quickly and can be fatal. A survey was conducted in 2024, and investigators with Elanco concluded that an estimated 900 dogs are diagnosed daily with this viral infection. Plus, the dogs who don’t receive timely care face a mortality rate as high as 91%.
Many disinfectants fail in front of the virus, but it is said that it remains defenceless to bleach in diluted versions. Some cleaners are specially formulated to combat Parvo and are commonly used in veterinary hospitals.
Can Parvovirus Be Seen In Adult Dogs?
You will read everywhere that Parvovirus is commonly seen in puppies and dogs that have reached adolescence. However, adult dogs can also catch this virus, especially if you have not given your dog its due vaccination.
Where Is It Most Likely To Occur?
Your young puppy or unvaccinated dog can catch Parvovirus in places with lots of people and poor hygiene or in areas where many pet owners bring in their dogs. Even when you don’t get your dog vaccinated, its immunity system becomes more vulnerable, and the virus considers that an invitation to adversely impact your dog’s health.
Are Humans At A Risk Of Getting Parvo?
The thing with this virus is that it happens to particular species; therefore, in humans, the virus has a different version. According to the Connecticut Children’s Organization, the parvovirus enters in the form of parvovirus B19. Other terminologies for this infection are “slapped cheek” or “filth”. Why these names? The reason is that in the 19th century, it secured the fifth position in the category of common illnesses. The cheek turns red due to the rash and feels like a slap mark.
So, this means that humans cannot get infected by dogs, nor can dogs get from people since both have their separate variants. But, that still does not allow you to roam peacefully around an infected dog, as you have to take care of yourself by wearing protective gear, especially when you come in contact with an infected dog. Be careful because the virus is capable of spreading to another dog through your clothes and hands.
What Are The Symptoms Of Parvovirus?
We know you are curious to know about the symptoms of Parvovirus. They vary depending on the severity of the case and are as follows:
Lethargy
You will notice that your dog is not as active as it used to be. Neither does it jump up to play games with you or even go for a walk. This lethargic attitude is one of the common symptoms of Parvovirus.
Reduced Hunger
Despite filling your dog’s bowl with its favourite treat and your furry fellow still not coming near the bowl to eat or drink, that hints towards reduced hunger. So, maybe the infection has reduced hunger.
Vomiting
If you see your dog vomiting multiple times a day or frequently during a week, consisting of blood or bile, then yes, that means your dog is suffering from Parvovirus and needs urgent assistance.
Severe Diarrhea
When your dog excretes normal stool, there is nothing to stress about. However, when you see the stool with either blood or a watery texture, that is diarrhoea, and that is a part of the list of symptoms.
Dehydration
Your dog’s weight may fall drastically. Furthermore, if its gums are dry and its eyes are sunken, that indicates dehydration, which is another symptom of this canine virus.
Fever
As a human being’s body temperature rises due to an infection, in the same way, dogs also get a fever. Therefore, if your pal’s temperature is above normal, then that is the virus speaking.
Weakness
When your dog does not eat or drink, its body naturally lacks the proper energy to stand or walk with you. Therefore, this weakness provides you with another hint that the virus is making your dog this way.
Intestinal Inflammation
The infection can affect the lining of your dog’s stomach, causing constant discomfort and pain. Therefore, get your young pup's intestines checked; if there is inflammation, that indicates Parvovirus.
Malnutrition
When the virus has fully caught your dog, then it will have difficulty absorbing essential nutrients from food, forcing it to leave the meal, resulting in major malnutrition.
Imbalancement of the Electrolyte
The severity of this virus can also disturb the balance of electrolytes in your dog’s body, impacting the functioning of the heart and other major procedures in the body.
Sepsis
Sepsis is dangerous news as it is a life-threatening condition caused by a severe infection. Hence, if you take Parvovirus lightly, it can also raise the bar of Sepsis.
What Are The Different Stages Of Parvo In Dogs?
Parvovirus is broken down into three different stages that you usually find in most other viral infections. These are infection, incubation, and the main illness. Let’s discuss them individually for your better understanding:
Infection
Your puppy or adult dog gets the infection when it comes in direct contact with faecal material, shares food or water, sniffs, or touches toys of the already infected dog.
Incubation
Then comes the incubation or the observation period. It usually lasts from three to seven days when the dog is infected but is still monitored for showing the symptoms of the virus.
In one week, the virus gets enough time to target the rapidly dividing cells in the body, and in the case of the dog, these cells belong to the lymph nodes or tonsils in the throat. Hence, the virus targets these cells, and as a result, the infection multiplies without any barriers and easily conquers other parts of the dog’s system.
After the parvovirus has completely multiplied and entered your dog’s bloodstream, the virus will still not stop and search for other sources, consisting of cells that rapidly divide. Therefore, the bone marrow and cells that are used to line the walls of the small intestines turn out to be a soft target for this viral infection.
If you are a parent of a young puppy, you can expect this virus to infect their heart, further inflaming poor heart functioning, heart muscle, and arrhythmias.
Illness
Once the parvovirus targets the rapidly dividing cells of the bone marrow, the virus moves on further to attack the immature immune cells. This invasion leads to a massive reduction of white blood cells that are there to protect the immunity system of your young puppy or yet-to-be-vaccinated dog.
The troublesome part begins when the drop in the white blood cells negatively impacts the ability of the body to defend itself from foreign infections and, as a result, permits the virus to attack the gastrointestinal tract - GI. Over here, the situation worsens as the parvovirus begins to attack the lining of the small intestine, making it a challenge for the tract to absorb critical nutrients, prevent loss of fluid while excreting stool, and stop the incoming bacteria from going into the gut wall and finally into the bloodstream. This disturbance is not pleasant as it boosts the occurrence of health issues, which should not be taken lightly.
Parvovirus is not always fatal in dogs, but the ones who meet their destined death are usually due to shock or dehydration. Not only this, but there is enough damage caused by the septic toxins from the intestinal bacteria that escape into the bloodstream.
How Will The Vet Diagnose That Your Dog Has Parvovirus?
In case you feel that your puppy or adult dog is showing signs of parvovirus, but don’t want to remain doubtful, then it is best to consult the vet, who has been looking after your dog since day one. They will perform some physical examination or, if necessary, may conduct laboratory tests as well. What are those tests? Let’s guide you:
Analysis Of Fecal Sample
You must have got the hint by the name that this test will ask you to give a sample of your dog’s stool to the vet. They will test the faeces in their laboratory to see whether there are any signs of parvovirus antigens or not. If the tests are negative, you can relax, but if the result is positive, the vet will tell you how to remain cautious.
Blood Tests
The second diagnosis measure will be in the shape of blood tests, where the vet will analyze your dog’s blood to assess the overall health of your pet. This includes the count of their white blood cells, which we mentioned above drops in parvo cases. Hence, if nothing is wrong with the blood test, your dog is fit, but if the number is lower than necessary, the vet will instruct you what to do further.
How To Treat Parvovirus In Dogs?
You will be startled to know that up till now, no particular cure has been devised for parvovirus, and you have to rely on aggressive care suggested by the vet to see improvement in your dog’s health. What do these treatments include? Let’s spill the beans:
Get It Admitted In The Hospital
You cannot professionally take care of your dog like a vet can, so the first treatment is to get your furry friend admitted to the hospital. Your dog will be under strict observation and provided with intensive care based on its condition.
Intravenous Fluids
If your dog suffers from dehydration and an imbalance of the electrolytes, then the vet will offer intravenous fluids to solve the issue and your dog will gradually become normal.
Antibiotics
One of the most common treatments to address such viral infections is none other than antibiotics. Therefore, you can expect the vet to give this medication to your dog against secondary infections. This will take its time, but your dog can become better.
Antiemetics
If your dog was vomiting frequently and did not stop even after being given the necessary medication, the vet will give it antiemetics. The remedy controls vomiting.
Managing Pain
If you fail to offer relief to your pal, the vet will teach you a few ways to manage pain. Follow these until and unless your pet stops showing signs of discomfort.
Support Through Nutrition
During this virus, your dog may feel a loss of appetite as they will not feel like eating or drinking. Therefore, the vet will offer some support through nutrition by providing the necessary nutrients.
What is The Cost Of Parvo Treatment In Dogs?
The costs of parvovirus treatment in dogs in the UK depend on the severity of the infection. However, you may have to pay a hundred pounds to several thousand.
Some Points To Keep In Mind
We have told you the majority of the necessary information regarding parvovirus, but here are some points for you to keep in mind so your dog does not get this infection again:
Regular Check-ups
Even if your dog has survived parvovirus, you should not avoid regular check-ups. Your vet must monitor your dog's health to ensure that there is nothing to worry about. Plus, this will alert you when the next vaccination is due.
Give Proper Meals
Start giving your dog proper meals. This should consist of a balanced diet to strengthen your dog’s immunity.
Manage Stress
Avoid giving any kind of stressful reasons to your dog as that too weakens the immunity system.
Isolate From Sick Dogs
If you are a parent to multiple dogs and one of them has an infection, then it is suggested that the poor fellow be isolated from other dogs. In this way, you can still keep the other ones safe, and it will give them time to recover.
Stay Aware
It is better to stay aware and educated regarding dog disease so you can take your dog to the vet without wasting time, and it can become active again.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about parvovirus in dogs, you will not encounter any issues in getting your pup treated with the above-mentioned treatments. Plus, you can even spread awareness of this issue to other dog parents.