By Kevin Hughes
Published: 07/23/2017, edited: 03/03/2025
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Canine parvovirus — more commonly known simply as ‘parvo’ — is a serious health condition that can, sadly, prove to be fatal for many dogs. Parvovirus affects the intestines of a dog and attacks the cells in the bone marrow, which weakens the immune system.
If left untreated, dogs with parvo can decline rapidly, quickly becoming dehydrated and displaying symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and potentially even collapsing.
If left untreated, dogs with parvo can decline rapidly, quickly becoming dehydrated and displaying symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and potentially even collapsing.
Highly contagious, parvovirus can spread easily and is often present in areas where dogs inhabit — such as parks and fields, so it’s very difficult to avoid exposure to it. Parvo can remain ‘active’ for a long time, too, so it lingers and poses a threat.
The positive news is that there’s a vaccination to provide protection against parvo, and it’s highly recommended that your dog has this, and has it regularly. But, can a vaccinated dog get parvo, or is that dog 100% protected? It’s a critically important issue, so let’s get into it.
The positive news is that there’s a vaccination to provide protection against parvo, and it’s highly recommended that your dog has this, and has it regularly. But, can a vaccinated dog get parvo, or is that dog 100% protected? It’s a critically important issue, so let’s get into it.
Can a vaccinated dog get parvo?
The big questions — can a vaccinated dog get parvo? Can a two year old dog get parvo if vaccinated?
The answer to both is yes. Even if your dog has been vaccinated, he or she won’t be totally protected against getting parvovirus in the future. However, the parvo vaccination is very effective in helping dogs develop immunity to this terrible disease so it’s really important that pet parents take this step.
Getting your dog vaccinated remains the most effective way of fighting off parvovirus.
When should my dog get its parvo vaccination?
A parvo vaccination isn’t a one-shot deal. It needs to be given regularly for it to be as its most effective, and there’s a set schedule in particular for puppies — because very young dogs are more susceptible to certain diseases and illnesses, before their immune systems have fully developed.
Puppies should receive three parvovirus vaccinations within their first 16 weeks of life. Recommended timelines vary slightly, but the schedule is approximately:
1st vaccination at 6-8 weeks old
2nd vaccination at 10-12 weeks old
3rd vaccination at 14-16 weeks old
A further booster jab should then be given at 12-16 months. This is followed up by regular vaccinations every three years, throughout a dog’s adult life.
The parvovirus vaccination is often given in combination with other vaccines to help prevent other serious canine diseases – including distemper, adenovirus and parainfluenza. This is known as the DHPP vaccine, providing protection against multiple conditions in a single shot.
Make sure you speak to your vet and maintain this regular schedule of parvo vaccinations. Vaccinations are a preventative method, not a form of treatment. So, if you’re wondering ‘can you give a dog a parvo shot if they have parvo?’ the answer is no — the vaccination won’t do anything to help a dog that already has the virus. Urgent medical attention will be needed in this situation.
If you’re homing a puppy that’s older than eight weeks, speak to the breeder to confirm the dog has had the required number of parvo shots.
A further booster jab should then be given at 12-16 months. This is followed up by regular vaccinations every three years, throughout a dog’s adult life.
The parvovirus vaccination is often given in combination with other vaccines to help prevent other serious canine diseases – including distemper, adenovirus and parainfluenza. This is known as the DHPP vaccine, providing protection against multiple conditions in a single shot.
Make sure you speak to your vet and maintain this regular schedule of parvo vaccinations. Vaccinations are a preventative method, not a form of treatment. So, if you’re wondering ‘can you give a dog a parvo shot if they have parvo?’ the answer is no — the vaccination won’t do anything to help a dog that already has the virus. Urgent medical attention will be needed in this situation.
If you’re homing a puppy that’s older than eight weeks, speak to the breeder to confirm the dog has had the required number of parvo shots.
Are some dog breeds more at risk of parvo than others?
Parvo is a big risk to all dog breeds. It’s highly infectious, can spread from dog to dog, and ‘lives’ for a long time in areas that dogs love to sniff and investigate — including grass, bedding, food and, yes, dog poo. It’s one of the reasons young puppies shouldn’t exercise outside the family home in their first few weeks, before they’re likely to have had the first parvo vaccination.
But, are certain dog breeds more likely to get parvovirus than others? The American Kennel Club (AKC) seems to think so. According to the AKC, breeds with an increased risk include Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers and English Springer Spaniels.
Don’t be complacent, though. Parvovirus can affect any dog, at any time.
Does my dog have parvo?
There’s no doubt that parvovirus is a truly nasty disease and catching the signs early provides the best opportunity to prevent serious, long-term damage. Act quickly if you suspect your dog has contracted parvovirus.
How can you tell? Ask yourself these questions. Does your dog have a fever? Is your dog lethargic? Is your dog constantly vomiting and suffering from diarrhea? Do they have a weak pulse, tachycardia (a rapid heart rate), hypothermia or fluid distention of the intestines? All of these can be symptoms your dog is suffering from parvovirus.
How will your vet diagnose parvo? ELISA is a common lab test used to detect the viral particles in intestinal parvo. Cardiac parvovirus is very rare and infects puppies whilst still in the uterus, causing stillbirth or death shortly after birth. There is not yet an effective means of diagnosing the mother for this type of parvo.
Maintaining regular and scheduled vaccinations is the most effective way of preventing many canine diseases, including parvovirus. Every pet parent should also have comprehensive pet insurance cover, to help with the cost of treatment.
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