Parvovirus in Dogs 2025: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Parvovirus—often called “parvo”—is one of the deadliest viruses in dogs, especially puppies. Fast action can save a life, but prevention is always the best cure.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Here’s what you need to know about this aggressive virus: what it looks like, how to treat it, and how to make sure your dog is protected.

🦠 What Is Canine Parvovirus?

• Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease that affects rapidly dividing cells—especially in the gut and bone marrow
• It’s spread through infected feces, contaminated surfaces, or direct contact with infected dogs
• The virus can survive for months in the environment—even after cleaning

🔍 Signs and Symptoms of Parvo

• Severe vomiting
• Profuse, often bloody diarrhea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Fever (sometimes hypothermia in advanced cases)
• Dehydration and sunken eyes

📅 Who’s at Risk?

• Unvaccinated puppies and dogs
• Dogs under 6 months old
• Rescue dogs from shelters or high-density areas
• Breeds like Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Pit Bulls are at higher risk for severe illness

🧪 How Vets Diagnose Parvo

• Fecal ELISA test: quick and reliable in-clinic test
• Blood tests to check white cell count and dehydration
• Hospitalization for supportive care is usually required

💊 How Parvo Is Treated

There’s no antiviral cure—only aggressive supportive care:

• IV fluids to correct dehydration and shock
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections
• Anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications
• Hospitalization for several days, often with isolation

Survival rate: 70–90% with hospital care.
Without treatment: up to 90% mortality in puppies.

💉 Parvo Prevention – Vaccination Schedule

• 6–8 weeks: First vaccine
• 10–12 weeks: Second vaccine
• 14–16 weeks: Third vaccine
• 1 year later: Booster
• Then: Every 1–3 years, depending on brand and vet recommendation

🧼 Disinfecting After Exposure

• Use bleach (1:30 dilution) on hard surfaces
• Parvo is resistant to most regular household cleaners
• Keep unvaccinated puppies away from parks and high-dog-traffic areas

🛡️ Supporting a Puppy’s Immune Health

• Keep up-to-date on vaccines
• Feed a high-quality, puppy-specific diet
• Minimize stress and avoid exposure to sick dogs
• Ask your vet about probiotics and immune-support supplements

🔗 Tools from Ask A Vet 

• Ask A Vet – Track vaccine dates and get emergency help if you suspect parvo
• Explorer Harness – Keep puppies secure in public before vaccines are complete

📋 Summary Excerpt

Parvovirus is deadly, fast-moving, and preventable. A vet explains the symptoms, treatment, vaccine schedule, and how to keep your puppy safe.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Can vaccinated dogs get parvo?
  A: It’s rare, but possible if vaccines are incomplete, outdated, or the dog is immunocompromised.
• Q: How long does parvo live in the environment?
  A: It can survive up to a year on surfaces or in soil. Use bleach and restrict unvaccinated dogs from contaminated areas.
• Q: Is parvo contagious to humans or other pets?
  A: No. It only affects dogs. But humans can carry it on shoes or clothing to other dogs.