Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious, widespread virus that can be fatal if not treated.1 It primarily attacks dogs' gastrointestinal systems and can also harm puppies' hearts. The virus causes such severe symptoms that, without treatment, it can kill within just two to three days of symptoms. But there's good news! A parvo vaccine exists that's so effective, it's recommended as part of every puppy's core vaccination series.
What is parvo?
Parvo is an illness caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). This virus was first identified in 1978 when it caused a worldwide pandemic in dogs.2 It's believed to have emerged as a mutation of the feline parvovirus responsible for feline panleukopenia.3
Today, CPV-2 has mutated into three variants: CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c.3 All three variants produce similar symptoms and are collectively known as parvo.1 Modern vaccines are effective against all three variants.3
Causes of parvo
How do dogs get parvo? The virus is ubiquitous worldwide, very hardy in the environment and very easy to catch. This is why it's so important that all dogs get vaccinated.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected dogs or contaminated surfaces, objects or feces.1 The resilient virus can be found on collars, leashes, food and water bowls—even on a person's hands or clothing. It survives in both hot and cold climates,1 and can infect wild canines like foxes, wolves and coyotes. It's also been found in raccoons, skunks and even pigs.2
Can humans get parvo from dogs, too? Fortunately, canine parvovirus doesn't infect humans.4 A different strain (parvovirus B19) infects humans but typically only causes mild symptoms.
Parvo symptoms
Because death can occur just 48 to 72 hours after the first symptoms, it's important to start veterinary treatment in the early stages of parvo.1 Common signs of parvo are:
- Bloating1 and abdominal pain3
- Appetite loss and weight loss3
- Severe diarrhea (often bloody)1
- Vomiting1
- Lethargy and weakness3
- Dehydration and fever1
- Refusal to drink water5
- Drooling5
- Gums that are pale, gray or white5
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)1
Parvo diagnosis
After getting your dog's medical history and symptoms, veterinarians will usually employ an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) fecal test to confirm parvo.6 These parvo tests use a technology similar to home pregnancy tests or COVID tests, and results usually take just 15 minutes.
In some cases, a fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test may be necessary.6 This is more accurate, but it has to be sent to a laboratory.
Your veterinarian may also run a white blood cell count. A positive ELISA and a low white blood cell count can deliver a confident parvo diagnosis.
Treatment options for parvo
Unfortunately, there is no antiviral that works against parvo.1 Instead, parvo treatment focuses on providing supportive care to help puppies survive until they can fight off the virus. Without intervention, the survival rate is only 9%.3 With treatment, this figure rises to between 60% and 90%.3
Dogs infected with parvo need intensive care with IV fluids to combat dehydration and replace lost electrolytes, proteins and fluids.1 Veterinarians also need to control vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, dogs might need blood transfusions because parvo can infect the bone marrow.6 Antibiotics can treat secondary infections.
The good news is that once a dog recovers from parvo, they will have lifelong immunity.6 The bad news is that treatment can cost up to several thousand dollars.3 A good pet insurance plan can help you cover the cost, so you don't have to worry if you can afford to save your dog's life.
Vaccination protocols and schedules
Because parvovirus is so widespread, vaccines are vital. They also help create herd immunity, which can protect the small percentage of dogs that don't respond to vaccines.1
It's recommended that puppies get their first parvovirus vaccine at six to eight weeks of age, and then boosters every two to four weeks.1 The vaccine is given in a series in order to time it with the decline in maternal antibodies, which can inactivate the vaccine. Puppies' mother's antibodies typically go away between eight and 16 weeks of age.
No matter when they start their vaccinations, puppies should get a dose at or shortly after they're 16 weeks old.
Adult dogs need periodic boosters in order to stay protected—typically every three years after getting a shot between six months and one year of age.1
There are a few situations in which the vaccine may be less effective, and your veterinarian can help you try to avoid these situations. These include an incomplete vaccination series, a series stopped before 16 weeks of age, or a series done in puppies whose moms had very high numbers of circulating antibodies.3
Prevention of parvo
In addition to vaccination, good hygiene plays a critical role in preventing parvo's spread.1 This means not letting your puppy or dog have any contact with poop from other dogs when outside.
You have to be especially careful with puppies because their immune systems are still developing.1 Before they get their booster at around 16 weeks of age, they're at higher risk. You should be extra cautious about taking your puppy to places like obedience classes, kennels, dog parks, groomers or pet stores.
Limiting exposure after an infection
If a dog is infected, take significant steps to limit exposure to other dogs. Disinfect all surfaces and items your dog touched with a solution of one part bleach to approximately 30 parts water.6 This includes bedding as well as food and water bowls.
While you can't disinfect your backyard, watering it can help dilute the virus over time.6 It may take a few weeks for the virus to reduce to a safer level outside. Because of this, only allow fully vaccinated dogs or puppies into your home for about three to four weeks.
How Pets Best can help keep your dog healthy
Parvovirus is a dangerous illness that only a small percentage of dogs survive if they're not treated aggressively. It's also widespread, so it's very easy to catch. This means it's a smart move for any pet parent to get their dog vaccinated. While parvovirus treatment can cost thousands of dollars, a vaccine only costs about $10 to $30 a dose.5
But if the worst happens and your pet does catch parvo, you'll want to see your veterinarian immediately—and you'll want a good pet insurance policy to help cover the cost of treatment.
At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can help you be prepared in case the unexpected happens and your precious pet catches parvo. You can even customize your plan to include an optional wellness policy that helps cover the cost of vaccines like the parvovirus vaccine. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline if they have any questions about their pets' health.
Sources/Citations
1. "Canine Parvovirus," (2020), American Veterinary Medical Association, https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/MCM-ClientBrochures-20-CanineParvovirus.pdf, accessed August 15, 2023.
2. "Spillover of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 to Pigs, South Dakota, USA, 2020," Gun Temeeyasen et al. (2/2022), Emerging Infectious Diseases, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/28/2/21-1681_article, accessed August 15, 2023.
3. "Canine Parvovirus Vaccination," Barry A. Hedgespeth and Jonathan E. Fogle (2/2021), Today's Veterinary Practice, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/preventive-medicine/canine-parvovirus-vaccination/, accessed August 15, 2023.
4. "Parvovirus Infection," (5/2021), Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16633-parvovirus-infection, accessed August 15, 2023.
5. "Can a Fully Vaccinated Dog Still Get Parvo?" (7/2022), BetterVet, https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-diseases/can-a-fully-vaccinated-dog-get-parvo, accessed August 15, 2023.
6. "Canine Parvovirus," (11/2022), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/canine-parvovirus, accessed August 15, 2023.