What is Canine Parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus, or just “parvo”, is a contagious virus which affects dogs. Coming to light around the 1970s, it usually manifests itself in two different ways: instestinal and cardiac. A dog with the intestinal form will usually show symptoms like vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Dogs with the cardiac form might experience respiratory and cardiovascular problems. The disease is most serious in puppies, for which an untreated parvovirus has about a 90% mortality rate if it is not treated, however with treatment, the survival rate is over 80 percent. Cases are rising every day across the world as the virus becomes resistant the vaccine. On average in the US alone, 300 dogs die every year from the virus. If you think your dog has Parvo, don’t hesitate and go straight to the treatment page without delay.

How is it spread?

The virus spreads through feces – both direct and indirect contact with feces can infect your dog. Because the virus can survive for months or even a year in soil and the environment, it is very hard to prevent any contact with the virus as it is almost impossible to clean the entire area. A possible method of disease prevention is vaccination, although it is disputed whether this works against all strains of the virus, or if it even works at all.

Puppy mills and animal shelters are the most likely place for your dog to contract Parvovirus, due to the fact that puppies cannot have the vaccine (find out more under prevention). It is not unheard of to get a new puppy or dog from an animal shelter and find that the dog has contracted parvovirus from being in close proximity to other dogs.

Are there any types of dog that are particularly at risk?

Strangely, dark and black colored dogs have more of a chance of contracting the disease. Also strangely, Rottweilers, Retrievers, German Shepherds, Pitbulls and sled dogs are also more likely to get Parvo than other breeds.

Why is it a risk?