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Parvo In Dogs
Written By Kevin Hughes
Published: 09/30/2015Updated: 05/06/2025
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is canine parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus — or parvo, as it’s commonly called — is a serious disease that can ultimately prove fatal if not treated urgently. Parvovirus is a gastrointestinal illness that’s caused by contact with contaminated materials; quite often, that can be the feces of an infected animal.
Parvovirus can be prevented by a puppy-age vaccination, but if your dog hasn’t been vaccinated, you should be aware that your pet is at great risk of becoming contaminated by this horrible condition. An unvaccinated puppy has a high chance of getting canine parvovirus, and therefore becoming seriously unwell.
Parvovirus can be prevented by a puppy-age vaccination, but if your dog hasn’t been vaccinated, you should be aware that your pet is at great risk of becoming contaminated by this horrible condition. An unvaccinated puppy has a high chance of getting canine parvovirus, and therefore becoming seriously unwell.
There are two different types or strains of canine parvovirus — intestinal and cardiac. Intestinal is the more common version, and can affect any unvaccinated dog. Cardiac canine parvovirus is relatively rare and occurs in puppies aged eight weeks and under; puppies may even be affected before birth.
Make no mistake, if your dog has been diagnosed with canine parvovirus, this is a life-threatening situation that usually requires emergency treatment. On this page, we’ll explain what causes parvo in dogs, how to quickly identify symptoms, and what type of treatment your pet will need to recover.
Symptoms of parvo in dogs
As we know, canine parvovirus can get very serious, very quickly. Fail to act fast enough, and your dog can soon become extremely ill, even fighting for its life. So, it can be critically important to understand what the typical symptoms of parvo in dogs are. If you suspect your pup is showing one or some these recognised canine parvovirus symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your vet immediately. Do it straight away!
Symptoms of parvo in dogs include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Refusal of food/loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fluid distention of intestines
- Weak pulse
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Hypothermia
A pet infected with parvovirus may develop a fever and behave lethargically, possibly refusing food within the first few days of infection. Within 24-48 hours, copious vomiting and diarrhea may occur; this often contains blood in the later stages.
If not promptly and effectively treated, the dehydration, septic shock, and stress on the animal’s heart can sadly be fatal. See a veterinarian immediately if parvovirus is suspected, as this condition carries an 80% mortality rate if untreated.
Causes of parvo in dogs. How does my dog get parvovirus?
Parvovirus is highly contagious and can spread quickly — often either by direct contact between dogs, or indirectly, via the feces of an infected animal or even by cross-contamination of other surfaces. Canine parvovirus can be present on food and water bowls, on collars and dog leashes, and many other items that come into contact with an infected dog.
It’s a tough virus, too, not easily removed. Parvovirus can exist for months. So, if you have more than one dog in your household and one of your pets is infected with parvo, you should ideally remove and destroy all bowls, bedding and toys to reduce risk of transmission as much as possible. Cleaning may not be enough to eliminate the virus; canine parvovirus is understood to be resistant to many domestic cleaning products.
With parvo in dogs capable of spreading so rapidly and easily, it could be suggested that the biggest cause of canine parvovirus is a failure to get a pet vaccinated. While a vaccinated dog can still get parvo, the risk of contamination reduces significantly and the vaccination is highly effective — and recommended. It really is the very best parvo prevention in puppies.
The canine parvovirus vaccination schedule is three shots during the first 16 weeks of a puppy's life, with the first dose being delivered at the 6-8 week stage. Booster jabs are needed when a dog is aged 12-16 months, and then every three years, to provide the best possible protection.
It’s a tough virus, too, not easily removed. Parvovirus can exist for months. So, if you have more than one dog in your household and one of your pets is infected with parvo, you should ideally remove and destroy all bowls, bedding and toys to reduce risk of transmission as much as possible. Cleaning may not be enough to eliminate the virus; canine parvovirus is understood to be resistant to many domestic cleaning products.
With parvo in dogs capable of spreading so rapidly and easily, it could be suggested that the biggest cause of canine parvovirus is a failure to get a pet vaccinated. While a vaccinated dog can still get parvo, the risk of contamination reduces significantly and the vaccination is highly effective — and recommended. It really is the very best parvo prevention in puppies.
The canine parvovirus vaccination schedule is three shots during the first 16 weeks of a puppy's life, with the first dose being delivered at the 6-8 week stage. Booster jabs are needed when a dog is aged 12-16 months, and then every three years, to provide the best possible protection.
Diagnosing parvo in dogs
How is canine parvovirus diagnosed?
Firstly, your vet is likely to suspect a case of parvo based on the symptoms your dog is displaying. The veterinarian will want to know your dog’s history; if your pet is young, or unvaccinated, for example, or recently adopted from a shelter or location with other dogs in close contact, these are all red flags and could point to canine parvovirus.
The vet will then typically use fecal testing to confirm parvo. The fastest method is using something called a SNAP ELISA test, which can very quickly detect parvo in dogs — usually between 10-15 minutes. You should be aware that in the early days of infection, the test may present a false-negative, so a dog could be quarantined even if the first test is negative. The veterinarian will likely admit the dog to an animal hospital based on the severity of the case.
If canine parvovirus is confirmed and diagnosed, swift treatment will follow.
Firstly, your vet is likely to suspect a case of parvo based on the symptoms your dog is displaying. The veterinarian will want to know your dog’s history; if your pet is young, or unvaccinated, for example, or recently adopted from a shelter or location with other dogs in close contact, these are all red flags and could point to canine parvovirus.
The vet will then typically use fecal testing to confirm parvo. The fastest method is using something called a SNAP ELISA test, which can very quickly detect parvo in dogs — usually between 10-15 minutes. You should be aware that in the early days of infection, the test may present a false-negative, so a dog could be quarantined even if the first test is negative. The veterinarian will likely admit the dog to an animal hospital based on the severity of the case.
If canine parvovirus is confirmed and diagnosed, swift treatment will follow.
Treating canine parvovirus
Parvo treatment for dogs needs to be fast — if so, depending on the severity of the condition, it can be effective. There’s no actual cure for canine parvovirus — as it’s a viral infection. Instead, a treatment plan is designed to support the dog as much as possible to aid recovery.
This primarily involves keeping a dog hydrated and preventing secondary bacterial infections — such as sepsis, which can be fatal. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea pose the most immediate risk to a dog’s health.
Electrolyte solutions can be administered orally if the dog’s vomiting is not too severe, and the vet believes your pet can ‘keep it down’. Dogs with moderate to severe dehydration and/or copious vomiting will need an IV carrying replacement electrolytes, as severely infected dogs lose the ability to effectively absorb water and nutrients through the gut.
This primarily involves keeping a dog hydrated and preventing secondary bacterial infections — such as sepsis, which can be fatal. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea pose the most immediate risk to a dog’s health.
Electrolyte solutions can be administered orally if the dog’s vomiting is not too severe, and the vet believes your pet can ‘keep it down’. Dogs with moderate to severe dehydration and/or copious vomiting will need an IV carrying replacement electrolytes, as severely infected dogs lose the ability to effectively absorb water and nutrients through the gut.
Blood sugar and potassium should be monitored and supplemented via IV if necessary. In severe cases, GI protein loss below 20g/L will require colloid therapy such as pentastarch. Additionally, anti-emetics to control vomiting may be prescribed along with antibiotics to treat any opportunistic infections.
During the treatment process, dogs infected with canine parvovirus must be kept isolated from other animals to prevent the virus spreading. Your dog may be hospitalized for a few days, and monitored closely while fighting the disease.
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Recovering from canine parvovirus
Canine parvovirus is a horrible disease that can be fatal for dogs. But, providing the virus is diagnosed quickly and treatment is administered swiftly, a dog can recover from parvo. In fact, given the correct care, it’s thought that the survival rate is as high as 80-90%.
Puppies that are treated swiftly and survive the first 3-4 days of the infection may be able to make a full recovery. Once vomiting has subsided for 12-24 hours, easy-to-digest foods that are low in fat may be given at the recommendation of the veterinarian, such as cottage cheese, boiled chicken, and rice. The companionship and attention of the owner will help reduce stress in a dog that’s recovering from illness.
Puppies that are treated swiftly and survive the first 3-4 days of the infection may be able to make a full recovery. Once vomiting has subsided for 12-24 hours, easy-to-digest foods that are low in fat may be given at the recommendation of the veterinarian, such as cottage cheese, boiled chicken, and rice. The companionship and attention of the owner will help reduce stress in a dog that’s recovering from illness.
Although dogs who recover from parvovirus are immune to reinfection, the amount of contamination they have spread may be significant, and the dog itself remains contagious for up to six weeks.
Parvovirus is difficult to kill, being resistant to many common cleaners and disinfectants. In normal humidity at room temperature the virus can remain dangerous for months. All cleanable materials should be washed with a 1:10 bleach solution or an accelerated peroxide.
All non-cleanable material should be disposed of such that no other animals can come in contact with it. Owners should take extreme care in washing their hands and cleaning the soles of shoes before leaving the area after petting their dog or cleaning up contaminated areas.
Parvovirus is difficult to kill, being resistant to many common cleaners and disinfectants. In normal humidity at room temperature the virus can remain dangerous for months. All cleanable materials should be washed with a 1:10 bleach solution or an accelerated peroxide.
All non-cleanable material should be disposed of such that no other animals can come in contact with it. Owners should take extreme care in washing their hands and cleaning the soles of shoes before leaving the area after petting their dog or cleaning up contaminated areas.
Parvovirus Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
blue nose pit bull puppy
2 months.
66 found this helpful
66 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Parvo
His sister died this morning of parvovirus and now he is sick black poop and not wanting to eat and drink I've been giving him Pedialyte all day
Nov. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
66 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Parvovirus is a very contagious disease among puppies, and if a sibling died of the disease, it is highly likely that he has the problem as well. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as these puppies often require hospitalization and intensive care to survive.
Nov. 25, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
chahuahua weenie mix
Seven Months
56 found this helpful
56 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting/Lathargy/Not Eating Or Drinking
My puppy was vomiting and not eating or drinking absolutely no diarrhea in fact no bowel movement or urination and i thought shewas dying but now after pepcid ac and pedialyte shes better but now 2of our other dogs are throwing up one of which is nirsing 3week pups what could it be.. No money for vet
Oct. 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
56 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Without being able to take them to see a veterinarian, the only thing that you can do is what you have been doing. If they have an infectious disease like Parvo virus, if you are able to keep them hydrated until they stop vomiting with Pedialyte, they may make it. I hope that they are okay.
Oct. 20, 2020
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Chihuahua
11 weeks
30 found this helpful
30 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
A Little Vomiting
My dog has not been vaccinated I was going to go today. He has vomited yesterday and today . What should I do
Oct. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
30 Recommendations
Hello so sorry to hear about your dog. If he is vomiting for 2 days we worry about parvovirus with young puppies. It would be best for him to see your vet. A bland diet and syringe feedings may also help. WIth him being a small dog these can easily get dehydrated. Your vet can prescribe you medication to help your dog feel much better. Good Luck.
Oct. 3, 2020
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Mutt
Four Months
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
My 4 month old puppy has parvovirus. He started showing signs on Sept. 23, on monin
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, this platform is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that you were able to get treatment for your puppy, as Parvo virus typically does require treatment. I hope that your puppy is okay.
Oct. 10, 2020
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Akita
Seven Weeks
24 found this helpful
24 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood In Stool
I have a question we are on the 2nd week of recovery from parvo an my dog is playing an eating an drinking water but I noticed little blood still in his poop is that normal for recovery ?
Aug. 17, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
24 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. He could have parasites that are also causing the bloody stool. If he is eating, drinking, and acting fine, I would try to get him a dewormer from your vet. They can also check a fecal sample to make sure that your dog is on the correct medication for your dog's problems. If he ever starts to not act right, it would be best for your vet to check your puppy and make sure that there is nothing else going on.
Aug. 17, 2020
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Pit bull
Bayne
10 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I have a 10 week old puppy that tested positive for parvo. She had thrown up 2 days before testing positive but has not since. She has not stopped eating or drinking. She is still playing and acting normal. She has not or is not having diarrhea. And no blood in the stool she is having. Has anyone had anything like this? We have her on all the meds and gi food the vet prescribed.
Chihuahua
Max and Gigi
11 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Weight Loss
Lethargy
Loss Of Balance
Loss Of Appetite
Anorexia
Loss Of Consciousness
Loss Of Mass
Loss Of Equilibrium
Max and Gigi were diagnosed with Parvo exactly 7days ago. I had another teacup Chihuahua Mini Mouse who started showing symptoms 3days before and before we even started to suspect Parvo she unfortunately passed away. Max and Gigi were not showing any symptoms at that time and that was the main reason we didn't suspect Parvo. The next day however both started becoming sick. Gigi made a quick recovery she was only down for about 3days. Max got really sick and even with all the antibiotics and fluids he was not getting better and refused to eat he was also so weak that he couldn't stand on his own for more than a few seconds. My husband and I decided we would not make him suffer anymore and decided to put him to sleep, an hour before the vet appointment max started eating and has been eating small meals of chicken every few hours for almost 36hrs now and is now drinking water on his own and getting up through the night and going to his puppy pad to poop. I'm hoping that this is his turn around and it came literally 1hour before we had scheduled to have hom put down. This has been a hard tiring and taxing experience but now i will continue to keep fighting for my babies and nursing them back to health. Gigi is back to her normal self she necer got to sick just seemed like she had an upset stomach for a few days Mini mouse unfortunately is no longer with us she is blessing heaven with her beautiful soul and hopefully Max is starting his recovery stage. Don't give up its hard to watch your bestfriend go through this, Parvo is a horrible virus but with the help of your vet and lots of love, dedication, and a lot of sleepless nights it is possible to get through it. Prevention is key but if you have the unfortunate diagnosis of Parvo early detection and treatment is crucial. The quicker you start treatment the better your chances. Please pray for my Maxie boy
Yorkshire Terrier
Jo-Jo
7 Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Unfortunately this is not my first experience with a sick puppy, in Dec 2019 my boyfriend bought me a yorkie for Christmas and we took it to get shots the very next morning,sadly Mia died on Christmas, vet couldn’t confirm from what but it was 2 days after her vaccinations at vet. Day 2 of having her with us (Christmas Day) she had foul smelling red/black stool not diarrhea we rushed her to emergency vet in which they tested her for parvo and test said negative, however there at vet she started with diarrhea, vet said it most likely is parvo and sometimes they get a false positive on stool test,she died shortly after we took her to emergency vet. I was devastated I’ve never lost a pet from a illness and to be told if and when a puppy has Symptoms of Parvo they were exposed about 5 days prior which meant from the “breeder” I informed the breeder of this unfortunate event. In July2019 breeder decided to give us a free puppy due to our loss so we welcomed Jo-Jo , sadly day 2 Jo-Jo experienced same symptoms, I decided NOT to take him to vet, that if we were going to loose him too I was gunna fight at home with him,we purchased penicillin from feed store with instructions for parvo injection and 4 syringes,I purchased PAXXIN online from amazon and pedalite Day 1/2 were horrible he was so lethargic his body was so limp he let me to what I needed to without a fight he was lifeless, day 3 I received paxxin in mail and gave to him right away along with puppy cal and pedalite every 30mins to a hour it was a rough sleepless night. By day 4 he purked up got up to try to eat. (Last shot given)🙌🏼👍🏼Day 6 he only wants liquidity puppy food still giving him puppy cal and pedalite, he finally pooped a solid stool which smelled like the last foul dark,but solid. Day 7 I decided to add puppy stage 2 formula to puppy food for extra nutrients becuz he only weighs .7 not even 1lb as well as iron supplement to avoid further hypoglycemia. He started to move around more and go to food on his own but I’m still giving more through syringe as well. Day9 I took to vet just to make sure he’s doing ok with what I’m doing, vet assured me I’m doing everything right he doesn’t have a fever and to continue what I’m doing for it take a full 2 weeks to shed parvovirus. He has pooped now solid poop with no foul odor. 🤞everything turns out good. I would highly recommend adding PAXXIN if your dog has parvo symptoms, since we started paxxin he has done a whole 360. After the full 2 weeks of shedding the virus we will go to vet for his first injections.
Pit bull
Queenie
2 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
My Queenie diagnose with parvo last Friday and today is her 8th day at the Vet fully opname.
At 6th and 7th she showing good progress , more happy , licking our face and wagging tail (stool are yellow creamy fluid, vomit twice a day )
But last night she vomited and show depression again
Does it take this long to recover?
Does Queenie will have a chance to survive after this long fight ??
American bully
Castle
4 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Incontinence
Anxiety
Diarhea
Is it normal for a recovering dog from parvo to be incontinent? Castle was hospitalized for 6 days and stopped vommiting and is eating fine. Had soft stool but not liquid and all of a sudden tonight he is leaking uncontrollably. He normally sleeps with me but I cant let him while this is happening and he whines in his crate. What can I do to help him and is this normal?
