Canine parvovirus: What’s parvovirus in dogs and what are the symptoms?

What causes parvovirus in dogs?

Parvovirus enteritis (PVE) is a highly contagious disease, caused by the canine parvovirus. It’s very tough and can survive at room temperature for up to two months and potentially years in a moist environment without sunlight.

Parvo, as it’s known, is typically spread through direct contact with an infected dog or indirect contact with something contaminated. Large concentrations of the virus are found in an infected dog’s faeces, so if your dog sniffs these, even if the bulk has been responsibly cleared up, they may become infected. The virus particles can also be spread on hands, shoes, clothing, pet bowls and accessories.

Parvovirus dogs symptoms

The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and immune system of puppies and dogs. It can also damage the heart muscle in young and unborn puppies.

Clinical signs of parvovirus generally develop within five to seven days of infection, although this period has been known to range from two to 14 days. Early symptoms of parvovirus typically include lack of appetite, extreme tiredness and fever, followed by sickness and diarrhoea 24 to 48 hours later.

Dogs with parvo quickly become dehydrated and weak. You may notice your dog’s gums become darker (dark pink/red) or much paler than normal. In severe cases, dogs are also likely to have a weak pulse, a racing heart rate and show signs of hypothermia (low body temperature). If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs contact your vet straight away.

Dogs most at risk from canine parvovirus

Puppies under six weeks old, along with unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult dogs, are most likely to catch canine parvovirus. Meanwhile, certain breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, English Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds and Rottweilers, are at increased risk. Among adult dogs, males are more likely than females to contract parvo.

Vaccination is the only effective way to reduce your dog’s risk of contracting parvovirus but no vaccine is 100% effective and in very rare cases, dogs who are up to date with their vaccinations may still contract the disease.

Treatment for canine parvovirus

There’s no specific drug to treat parvovirus in dogs but those affected by the disease have a far greater chance of survival if they receive early, aggressive treatment and intensive nursing care.

Treatment may include:

• Intravenous fluids (a drip) to treat shock and correct dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities
• Anti-sickness medication
• Painkillers
• Plasma transfusions and/or blood transfusions to replace proteins and cells
• Antibiotics to treat or prevent secondary infections as a result of the effects of parvovirus infection
• Tube feeding

How to prevent parvo in dogs?

Parvovirus can survive in soil for more than a year, and may theoretically be spread through the environment by foxes. Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent your dog from contracting parvovirus if they come into contact with the virus. Immunity is not lifelong though and, after an initial vaccination course of two or three vaccinations, regular booster vaccinations are required throughout life. Your dog’s annual vaccination will include a component against canine parvovirus and it’s important to maintain up-to-date vaccinations as your dog gets older. Puppies can be vaccinated from six weeks of age.

Good hygiene is also vital to preventing parvovirus from spreading. If you suspect your environment has been contaminated with faeces or vomit from a parvo-infected dog, you should wash the affected area with a household bleach solution. Soiled bedding should be discarded and all kennels, collars, bowls and leads appropriately cleaned and sterilised.

Infected dogs should be kept away from healthy dogs until they have recovered fully and if you have come into contact with an infected dog yourself, you should ensure any contaminated clothing is removed (destroyed or carefully cleaned) and you carefully wash your skin with a suitable parvocidal skin cleanser before handling other dogs.