What is Parvo?

Canine parvovirus infection, often referred to as "parvo," is a highly contagious disease caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). This virus targets white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract in dogs, as well as other canids like coyotes, wolves, and foxes. Puppies can also experience heart muscle damage due to the virus.

Parvo first appeared in Europe in the late 1970s. It’s believed to be a genetic mutation of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), a type of parvovirus that affects cats. While parvo can be fatal, with proper treatment 68% to 92% of dogs infected with parvo eventually recover, according to the Merck Veterinary Journal.

Who is at risk for Parvo?

Certain dogs are more susceptible to canine parvovirus, particularly puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, and specific breeds such as Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Bull terrier breeds, German shepherds, and English springer spaniels.

What are symptoms of Parvo in dogs?

Symptoms of parvovirus infection vary but may include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Severe, often bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Fever or low body temperature 

If your dog displays any of the above symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial, as persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, intestinal damage, and septic shock, potentially resulting in death.

How is Parvo spread?

Canine parvovirus is easily spread through direct contact with infected dogs, contact with feces from infected dogs, or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces. The virus is resistant to various environmental conditions and can survive for extended periods. Proper disinfection practices are essential to prevent transmission. 

Due to parvo's highly infectious nature, infected dogs must be isolated.  Strict infection control measures should be implemented, including thorough cleaning of areas the dog has been in. Dogs who have been exposed to parvo can start transmitting the virus two weeks before they start showing signs or symptoms. They continue to be contagious for up to two weeks after recovery. This is why it’s important to isolate your dog if there is any likelihood that they could have contracted parvo. Keep a close eye on them and contact your vet immediately if they develop symptoms.

Stages of Parvo infection in Dogs: 

Without timely intervention, canine parvovirus typically follows this trajectory from initial exposure to illness and either recovery or death:

First, the dog comes into contact with the virus and ingests it. The virus then incubates in the body for three to seven days. During this time, the virus attacks the tonsils and lymph nodes inside the throat and invades white blood cells, rapidly dividing into multiple virus copies before entering the bloodstream.

Finally, signs of illness appear as the dog responds to the attack on their gastrointestinal tract with nausea and vomiting. Severe diarrhea soon follows. Without quick intervention, the dog may die from a combination of dehydration, shock to the system and septic toxins being released into the bloodstream. This is why it is so important to bring your dog to the vet immediately after known exposure or symptoms emerge. 

How our vets diagnose and treat Parvo:

Diagnosis involves fecal testing to confirm the presence of the virus. Typically, veterinarians test for parvovirus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).This test works similarly to a pregnancy test by changing color if the presence of parvovirus is detected.

Some vets also do a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on stool samples. This test is capable of detecting parvovirus DNA within infected stool samples. The PCR test is more accurate than the ELISA test, but must be sent away to a PCR lab, so it takes longer to get a result.

Treatment for severe cases requires immediate and intensive care, often involving hospitalization. Supportive measures are implemented to correct dehydration, balance physiological imbalances, control nausea and pain, maintain warmth, prevent additional infections, and provide nutritional support. Despite treatment, there is no guarantee of survival.

It’s important to note that veterinary medicine is always advancing. Dr. Luevano from GoodVets Dallas Uptown notes that, “there is a new monoclonal antibody treatment that has been released within the last several months that targets canine parvovirus. This treatment  may shorten the course of the disease and improve the outcome. It will be available at GoodVets to help decrease the burden of supportive care for CPV.” Reach out to your local GoodVets team with questions about the monoclonal antibody treatment. 

How can you prevent Parvo in your dog?

Preventive measures, including vaccination and good hygiene practices, are crucial in protecting dogs against canine parvovirus. Young puppies are especially vulnerable, and a series of vaccinations are recommended to ensure immunity during the first few months of life. The vaccination is typically part of a combination vaccine, with initial doses administered at 6-8 weeks, followed by two more doses 2-4 weeks apart. Booster doses are recommended annually or every three years, depending on the dog's age and vaccination history.

Additional precautions include:

• Use caution when bringing unvaccinated puppies to places where dogs gather. This includes pet shops, parks, puppy and obedience classes, doggy day cares, kennels, and groomers.
• Choose establishments and training programs that require up-to-date vaccinations, health examinations, good hygiene, and isolation of sick puppies and dogs.
• Keep your dog away from other dogs when sick, including other dogs within your home.
• Avoid contact with known infected dogs and their premises.
• Keep your dog away from other dogs’ feces.
• Routinely collect and properly dispose of your dog’s feces.
• If you’ve been in contact with dogs with or exposed to parvovirus, avoid handling other dogs, or wash your hands and change your clothes before doing so.

Conclusion

If your adult dog has not been vaccinated yet, or is overdue for  vaccinations, it’s not too late. Ask your veterinarian about a recommended vaccination program based on your dog’s age and needs. Schedule an appointment with your GoodVets provider today to answer any questions you may have on Parvo and its prevention. If your dog is displaying any worrisome symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, call your vet immediately. 

Parvo in dogs FAQ:

1. Can dogs survive parvo?

Survival from a parvovirus infection is possible, but depends on age, size and how sick the dog is when owners first seek care. Most patients will not survive without treatment. Starting medical treatments when illness first sets in will increase the likelihood of recovery

2. How do dogs catch parvo?

Parvo is caused by a virus called canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV). Most commonly, dogs will get parvo from sniffing, licking, walking through, or even eating infected poop.

3. Can I feed and give water to my dog with parvo?

Never try to force food or water on a dog with suspected parvovirus. The oral route of administering hydration and nutrients should be avoided because the gut may be too damaged to tolerate them properly, so eating or drinking can worsen vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to work with your vet on the proper feeding and hydration methods to ensure your dog has the right support.

4. Can dogs bring parvo into the house?

Parvo can survive indoors for months and outdoors it can live for months to years, especially in dark, moist environments. Parvo can be easily spread by fomites, which are objects such as a doorknob or pet fur that can be contaminated by a virus. Dog-to-dog contact is not required for susceptible dogs to become infected.

5. Should I clean my house if it had parvo in it?

Make sure you clean everything in your home as thoroughly as possible, and allow it to dry before another dog uses it. If you are still concerned that you may not have disinfected your home well enough to welcome an unvaccinated dog into it, wait one year to allow time for the virus to naturally die off.