What is parvovirus in dogs? Symptoms, treatments, and prevention

Is your canine friend normally a happy, lively dog whose suddenly lost interest in their food, become very quiet, dull or lethargic? Have they have vomited or passed watery diarrhoea (with possible blood in it)? These are some of the alarming signs they may have canine parvovirus, a potentially fatal disease.

If any of this looks familiar in your dog, please contact your vet immediately for advice –especially if you have a very young puppy or an unvaccinated dog.

In this article, we'll walk you through how to spot possible parvovirus, get your dog the help they need, and take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

What is parvovirus in dogs? 

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that most commonly affects dogs and is especially dangerous for unvaccinated dogs and puppies. This is because their immune system is not yet fully developed.  

Is parvovirus contagious? 

Parvovirus is highly contagious. It can survive in the environment for many months – even years.  The virus is passed on through contact with faeces, objects contaminated by faeces, or direct contact from an infected dog. This most commonly happens when puppies are with an infected parent dog.  Dogs who have recovered may still pass on the virus up to three weeks after infection. This is one of the reasons why you shouldn’t mix puppies who’ve not completed their first vaccines with adult dogs whose vaccine status is unknown. 

Parvovirus treatment for dogs 

Most dogs will need to stay at the vets for treatment. This usually involves intravenous fluid therapy to replace lost fluids and electrolytes from the vomiting and diarrhoea.  Treatment can also include medication to control the vomiting, antibiotics, and gastrointestinal support. For dogs who are unable or unwilling to eat, a feeding tube may be needed to give them regular, small meals to aid recovery. Due to the rapid onset of clinical signs, the virus can make the recovery outcome very uncertain. Veterinary teams will provide the support a dog needs whilst in a barriered environment.  

How to prevent parvovirus 

Regular vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent your dog from contracting parvovirus. Puppies should be kept separate from adult dogs who’ve been walked in the same areas as dogs with unknown vaccination history.  When getting a new dog, it's important to find out their vaccination status as soon as possible. Vaccinations are continued/started from eight weeks of age.   

Can humans get parvovirus? 

Humans can’t get canine species-specific parvovirus. But they can spread the virus to other dogs if they don’t follow good hygiene techniques. 

What to do if your dog is exposed to parvovirus 

Prevent them from mixing with any other dogs, avoid taking them to public areas, and seek advice from your vet immediately. The best chance of survival is with early treatment in a veterinary clinic. 

How to care for a dog recovering from parvovirus 

Follow your vet’s instructions and advice after treatment. Feed your dog small amounts of bland food frequently, and encourage them to drink small amounts of water.  You should also clean up any faeces and areas where your dog has been. Disinfect all bowls, bedding, toys, human clothing and shoes. Regularly wash your hands and follow strict hygiene rules.