This introduction to canine parvovirus, “Parvo”, is meant to provide puppy owners with a broad overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and required treatment for this devastating disease of puppies.

        This disease appeared “out of no where” in 1978.  Canine parvovirus is primarily a disease of puppies.  Owners usually notice bloody diarrhea, lack of appetite, listlessness, vomiting, and dehydration.  This virus attacks the puppy’s intestinal tract, lowers the white cell count, and sometimes attacks the heart muscle.  Although the onset of these symptoms may seem very sudden, the incubation period for “Parvo” is 5 to 7 days from the actual exposure.

         The virus is contracted from the feces of infected dogs.  Large numbers of the virus may be present in the diarrhea of sick puppies.  Unfortunately, this virus is stable in the environment and can be transported on shoes, hair, feet, and contaminated dog cages. The virus is killed by a l:30 part mixture of  bleach and water.

         Death can occur within 48-72 hours if the disease is left untreated.  Dehydration occurs rapidly because the dogs are unable to drink or eat without vomiting.  This in combination with profuse, projectile, bloody diarrhea produces a net fluid loss that can be rapidly fatal.

         Until a puppy has completed a full course of vaccinations, confinement to the house or yard is advisable.  Although “Parvo” is highly contagious among dogs, it does not affect humans or other animal species.  Humans can transport it between dogs on clothing or shoes.

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Last revised:  03/13/02
 
 
 
 

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