Signs of Parvovirus in Dogs, and How You Can Prevent This Deadly Virus

Parvovirus, often referred to as “parvo,” is a diagnosis no pet parent wants to hear. It is an extremely contagious viral disease that causes severe gastrointestinal (GI) illness. And it can be fatal.

The best way to prevent parvovirus is with vaccination throughout the lifespan of your dog. However, puppies who are not yet eligible for the vaccination are still at risk of getting the virus. 

Knowing the symptoms of this viral disease can help you identify it quickly and provide the necessary care for your pup to battle it. 

What are the symptoms of parvovirus in dogs?

The symptoms of parvovirus are severe and noticeable. It’s critical to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible if your puppy or adult dog show any of the following symptoms: 

• Lack of energy 

• Loss of appetite 

• Stomach pain and bloating 

• Fever or low body temperature 

• Sudden and persistent vomiting and diarrhea 

• Severe and bloody diarrhea

Once a dog is exposed to the virus, it takes between 3 and 7 days for them to show symptoms. But symptoms might not appear for as long as 2 weeks after exposure.

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What causes parvovirus in dogs?

Parvovirus is caused by canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). CPV is a close relative of the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), which affects cats. 

Dogs with parvo are contagious before, during, and after they have symptoms. Dogs can spread the virus within 4 to 5 days of being exposed. They continue to be infectious while they are sick and for 10 to 14 days after recovery.

Keep in mind that not every dog who comes in contact with the virus will get sick. Infection depends on your dog’s immune system and the amount of the virus they are exposed to.

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Below are some ways your pet could get infected with parvovirus.

Contact with infected dogs or objects

The parvovirus is spread between dogs when they go from place to place. It can also be spread through contaminated objects, such as: 

• Cages

• Shoes

• Food and water bowls

• Blankets

• Toys

If you have an infected dog in your house, isolate the animal from other pets. 

The virus is extremely resistant to temperature changes and cleaning. It can live indoors for at least 2 months and outdoors for months or even years. 

It is hard to get rid of the virus with most disinfectants or detergents. The best and easiest way to eliminate the virus is with bleach. Use a solution of 1 part bleach and 30 parts water to clean contaminated surfaces.

Contact with poop from an animal with parvo

Parvovirus can also be spread through contaminated poop. Your dog may come into contact with infected poop while out on a walk or even playing in the backyard. 

The virus doesn’t just affect dogs. Other animals that can get (and spread) parvo include: 

• Coyotes

• Foxes

• Skunks

• Raccoons

What are the risk factors for parvovirus in dogs?

Young dogs between 6 and 20 weeks old are especially at risk for parvovirus. Adult dogs, unvaccinated dogs, and pups without complete vaccinations can also be infected. The virus spreads from contact between dogs, as well as exposure via contaminated stool or the environment.

Certain breeds are more at risk for parvo, including: 

• American pit bull terriers

• English springer spaniels

• Doberman pinschers

• German shepherds

• Rottweilers

How is parvovirus diagnosed?

Parvovirus is diagnosed using a rapid ELISA antigen test at your veterinarian’s office, said Amber Karwacki, DVM, a partner veterinarian at Heart + Paw Callowhill in Pennsylvania.

ELISA stands for “enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.” It uses a stool (poop) sample to identify the virus. The test takes about 15 minutes to run. 

“Your veterinarian may run blood work, as well, if parvovirus is suspected,” Karwacki said. The virus can infect bone marrow, and a low white blood cell count is a strong sign of infection. 

A more accurate method to detect parvovirus is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which also uses a stool sample. But your vet will usually need to send the sample to a lab that does this kind of testing. So it could take days to get the results — which may be too slow to help your pup, given how quickly the disease impacts the body. 

How do you treat parvovirus in dogs?

There is no medication that can kill the parvovirus. Dogs with the virus require supportive care to help their bodies’ immune systems fight the infection. The sooner you get your dog treatment, the better. Dogs with the virus often need to stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days for intensive treatment.

“Dogs that are positive for parvovirus are usually hospitalized so that they can receive IV fluids and medication to manage their symptoms,” Karwacki said. 

Your dog’s veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following treatments if your dog has parvo.

Monoclonal antibody therapy

Canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody (CPMA) is a newer treatment for parvovirus in dogs. It’s given as a one-time injection by a veterinarian. CPMA works by blocking the virus’s ability to enter and destroy a dog’s cells. This can reduce the severity of a dog’s parvovirus symptoms.

Antibiotic medicines

“Parvovirus is treated with antibiotics to calm the inflammation in the intestines, as well as prevent a secondary bacterial infection,” Karwacki said. 

Metronidazole and amoxicillin are antibiotics that are often given in these cases. However, veterinarians may use a different antibiotic combination. Antibiotics can be given either via an IV fluid bag or injection. 

IV fluids 

IV fluids help prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Potassium is added for electrolyte balance. Dextrose (sugar) is mixed in to keep blood sugar levels normal (especially in puppies). 

Medication to prevent vomiting

Because the digestive tract is damaged by parvo, medications need to be given via an IV drip. The following medications can be given to prevent vomiting and nausea:

• Maropitant (Cerenia)

• Metoclopramide (Reglan or Maxolon)

• Ondansetron (Zofran or Zuplenz)

• Dolasetron (Anzemet)

Bland diet

If your dog will eat solid food, a bland diet can help control diarrhea and give their stomach a rest. A bland diet may include boiled chicken (without skin or bones) and cooked white rice.

Karwacki said that probiotics may also be given, depending on your dog’s case.

Some dogs may need a temporary feeding tube to ensure their body gets nutrients, even if they are refusing to eat due to feeling sick.

Blood transfusion 

A blood transfusion is sometimes helpful in boosting low blood cell counts in severely affected dogs. This is especially true if your dog has a bone marrow infection.

How serious is canine parvovirus?

Dogs with parvovirus can die within 48 to 72 hours of showing signs of the disease. If parvo is caught late, there is a higher possibility of it being fatal. 

Without treatment, your dog may experience life-threatening complications, such as:

• Multiple organ failure

• Extreme dehydration

• Septic shock

Puppies infected with parvo have a less than 10% chance of survival if they don’t receive any treatment. The chances of survival are much higher — up to 90% — if your dog is treated at a veterinary facility. 

Can parvovirus be prevented?

Vaccination is the best prevention against parvovirus infection and disease in dogs. “This vaccine is commonly known as the distemper vaccine, which is a combination of distemper, parvo, parainfluenza, and adenovirus,” Karwacki said. 

The first vaccine needs to be given when a puppy is about 6 to 8 weeks old. They’ll then need boosters every 2 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old, followed by a booster shot at 6 or 12 months. Adult dogs need a parvovirus booster every 3 years. Adult dogs who didn’t get their initial parvo vaccine as a puppy may need a different vaccine schedule to catch them up.

Until the vaccination series is completed, keep your puppy away from other dogs while they’re:

• Playing at the playground

• Participating in training sessions

• Being groomed

• Staying at boarding facilities

• Going for walks

And do not let your dog come into contact with poop while they’re on walks, at the dog park, or anywhere outside. 

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Written by:

Lavanya Sunkara

Lavanya Sunkara is a writer and animal lover living in the suburbs of New York City. She has been a pet writer for more than a decade and is passionate about animal causes.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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