Dog Parvo Virus

Species-jumping viruses | Mystery Rays from Outer Space

Dog Parvo - the Deadliest Viral Disease of Dogs

The dog parvo virus is probably the most common viral illness of dogs at the moment. The virus is extremely small (the Latin word for small is "parvo") - just a few grams of stool can contain millions of virus particles. The dog parvo virus has been known and identifiable since the late 70's and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with vomit or diarrhea from an infected dog.

The Canine parvovirus (CPV), also refered to as "the dog parvo", attacks the intestinal tract, white blood cells, and in some rare cases the heart muscle. The common form of the dog parvo has a predilection for rapidly dividing cells (similar to cancer) such as the cells of intestinal lining and that is why it causes diarrhea and ulcerative enteritis. When the virus lashes out and attacks this type of cells, it makes dogs and puppies not being able to assimilate or absorb nutrients or liquids.

Symptoms of the dog parvo can take anywhere between 7 to 10 days before they are visible. In the early stages, symptoms that are likely to be noticed by the dog owner are a lack of energy and a loss of appetite. As a result, dogs infected with the parvo virus will soon show clear symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition. As the virus spreads, the dog parbo symptoms are characterized by high fever, severe diarrhea, quite often bloody, vomiting, lethargy and severe dehydration. If your dog, but especially your new puppy, begins exhibiting any of these symptoms, see a veterinarian right away. Because even though the dog parvo virus can also infect adult dogs, it is more often found in small puppies because of their low immune system. Parvovirus requires swift action to help an infected dog survive as when parvo is involved, every hour counts.

The severity of the disease depends upon the age of the dog, presence of maternal antibody, size of the virus dose and the breed of the infected dog. Though many dogs become highly ill due to this viral disease, breeds like Doberman Pinschers and Pit Bull Terriers may reveal clinical symptoms to a very severe degree.

According to conventional veterinarians, there is no known cure for the dog parvo. Conventional treatment is, therefore, mostly supportive and consists of maintaining the dog's body fluids, balancing electrolyte levels and maintaining body temperature. But even if a dog survives the initial bout of dog parvo, there is still a high risk of collapsing during the recovery period. You should get your dog immunized to protect them in case they come into contact with dogs that have the illness. Most veterinarians recommend that young puppies to be vaccinated every 3 to 4 weeks beginning when the pup is 6 weeks of age and continuing until it is 20 weeks old.

The dog parvo virus is most common in places where dogs congregate, such as parks, animal shelters or even at dog shows. Dogs may take in the virus from sniffing or consuming contaminated fecal matter, from cleansing himself, or from consuming food off the ground or flooring. That is why dogs that spend their time confined to a house or a yard and are not in contact with other dogs have much less chance of exposure to the canine parvo virus. You must also be aware of the fact that the dog parvo virus may be even brought home to your dog on shoes and even automobile tires. If you allow your dog to live outside, then remember to alter drinking water on a regular basis because there is a chance that the water can contain parvo virus (carried by birds on their feets or feathers or in their feces).

CPV is very resistant and can remain in feces-contaminated ground for five months or more if conditions are favorable.

Be aware of the fact that the dog parvo symptoms resemble other diseases (like poisoning or worms) and are often misdiagnosed. The only way to know if a dog has the Parvo virus is through a positive diagnostic test.

About the author: For more information, visit, a website dedicated to inform pet owners about Dog Parvo. The website contains articles on symptoms, treatments and prevention.


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  5. Human Parvo Virus

10 Responses to “Dog Parvo Virus”

  1. kyocera ☜♥♥♥♥☞ says:

    Can humans be infected with the dog parvo Virus?
    The vet is almost sure my dog has the Parvo Virus. She is 3 years old and showing all the signs .She is on a drip tonight and the Vet is treating her with the suggested medications. I am preparing myself for the worst outcome. What I would like to know is how long can this virus stay around? Then there is the old dog that I have and he is showing no signs of anything at all even though the two dogs are always together. How can this be?
    If my dog survives this will she have any after effects

  2. zonagal43 says:

    Is the dog parvo virus dangerous to babies?

  3. nia says:

    Can my dog get parvo virus from my friend?
    her puppy died yesterday from it, and she was over at my house.
    can my dog, who is vaccinated, get it from my friend?
    the dogs had no contact with each other.

  4. Lizzie H-S says:

    Can my older dog carry parvo-virus that will affect my puppy?
    I am getting a puppy shortly and already have a dog of 8 years of age. I know puppies have to be protected from parvo-virus and cannot walk outside their own garden without having their injections first. My worry is that my older dog (innoculated) will carry it into the house or garden on her feet, from her daily walks. How do I avoid this happening? Is it safe for my older dog to still go out on her daily walks?

  5. Crayons says:

    Keep them separated until your puppy has his shots.

  6. Janie D. says:


    I am so glad you said your dog is vaccinated! If that’s true and her vaccinations are current (within the last year), it is highly unlikely for her to contract it.

    However, in the future for your information, Parvo can be transmitted by clothing or shoes to other environments (Indirect Transmission Source) where unvaccinated animals WILL be exposed. The two other ways of transmission are Direct and Fecal-Oral. And the Parvo virus itself can remain contagious in the environment for up to 6 months or longer.

    Be very grateful you were responsible enough to protect your dog’s health with vaccinations otherwise, I can guarantee that your friend would definitely have been a source of transmission for your dog!

  7. Fionnabhair ╰╮ says:

    No they cannot.
    It is best to ask the vet the other questions, the internet gives A LOT of conflicting information about parvo and the vet treating your dog will be able to go into specifics about your circumstance.
    If you got the older dog from a shelter, it may already have been vaccinated against the disease, if not then i would go to your vet and ask them about getting that dog vaccinated just incase.

  8. mama woof says:

    Canine Parvo virus is the dog version of human Fifth’s Disease. It is not zoonotic. Both strains are species specific. Your baby is safe.

  9. holly h says:

    Can a vaccinated dog still pass parvo virus to other dogs?
    There is a rampaging argument at our local dog park regarding parvo virus. Can vaccinated dogs still pass the virus on? Please help end this with a correct and verifiable answer! Thank you!!!

  10. Neti LOVE says:

    Eventhough a dog has had the Parvo shot, it is possible for it to get the virus. I’m sure, if it’s possible for an animal to still get Parvo when they have had shots, it’s possible for it to carry/spread the virus. If you want 100% correct answers, please call your Veterinarian.