Parvo in Dogs Who Have Not Been Vaccinated
Puppies and adult dogs who have not been vaccinated from Parvovirus are susceptible to the disease. Parvo is highly contagious in unvaccinated dogs, and can be transmitted through fur or infected surfaces and objects.
If your dog begins to exhibit the following symptoms, it’s recommended that you take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Untreated, Parvo can be fatal.
Symptoms of Parvo
The first indication of the presence of Parvovirus is severe diarrhea. Your dog will likely become lethargic is a result of the dehydration associated with diarrhea. Your dog may also begin vomiting, which can only exacerbate lethargy and dehydration.
Blood in a dog’s stool is commonly associated with Parvo. As is an especially and uniquely stinky feces -- an odor commonly described as “far worse” than typical.
If these signs show up, get your puppy to a vet immediately. As with many illnesses, early detection and treatment of Parvo is of the essence.
How Parvo Works, Internally
According to Jenna Strevowski, RVT, “Parvovirus attacks cells in your dog’s body, specifically bone marrow and intestinal cells. After the bone marrow is affected, white blood cell count drops.” At this point, the immune system begins to shut down.
“The lining of the intestines are typically damaged when Parvovirus is present. At this point, the body is no longer able to absorb nutrients or properly digest food. The result is nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea.”
If left untreated, Parvo can cause sepsis, an infection of the blood that occurs when the intestinal walls aren’t able to act as a barrier against bacteria.
Many dogs and puppies do not survive Parvovirus, which is why vaccination against the disease -- the only preventative measure -- is highly recommended.
If Dogs Have Been Vaccinated
The Parvovirus vaccination is reliable. Dogs who have been vaccinated from Parvo, who are exhibiting similar symptoms, are likely not suffering from Parvo, but from some other malady. They should still be checked out by a vet.
If your puppy is getting their puppy series of vaccinations, veterinarians recommend keeping your puppy away from other dogs until they've had their 2nd vaccination.
Parvo in Puppies
What is Parvovirus?
Parvo is a serious virus, spread through infected fecal matter, that can attack your dog’s intestinal tract as well as their overall immune system. Parvo is most commonly found in puppies. Puppies are susceptible to the virus approximately around the time they stop nursing, and before they get their first round of vaccinations. For this reason, it is recommended that puppies get vaccinated as early as six weeks of age.
How Do Puppies Contract Parvovirus?
Early in a puppy’s life, antibodies from the womb are still present. These antibodies will ward off many diseases, including Parvo. Once these antibodies wear off, your puppy, and eventually your adult dog, is exposed to the disease.
Parvovirus is at its highest concentration in feces. Sometimes a dog or a human will pick the virus up on the bottom of their shoes, and bring it into a home or yard, where a dog might roll in it. If the puppy then licks their fur, or another surface infected with the virus (like a toy), the virus will enter their bloodstream where it may begin its unfortunate work.
Even a single microscopic spore can cause an animal to become very sick. Vaccination is the only prevention.
How to Tell if My Puppy Has Parvo
If your puppy has not been vaccinated against Parvovirus, and they begin to exhibit serious and severe diarrhea, it will be assumed that they’re infected with Parvo. Especially if the diarrhea occurs in conjunction with the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Bloody stool
- Remarkably stinky stool
If these signs show up, get your puppy to a vet immediately. As with many illnesses, early detection and treatment of Parvo is of the essence.
Diagnoses & Treatment of Parvo in Puppies
Your veterinarian will likely administer an in-house blood test to determine if Parvo antibodies are present in the bloodstream. If so, your puppy will be diagnosed, and treatment will begin.
Jenna Stregowski, RVT, says, “There is currently no cure for Parvovirus. Treatment primarily involves supportive care. Home care is not typically effective for dogs that have become very sick. Hospitalization is recommended.” She adds that general treatment will include, “IV fluids, to rehydrate the dog after excessive diarrhea and vomiting; antibiotics, to prevent sepsis; anti-nausea drugs to help your pup feel better; antacids to prevent damage the stomach lining and esophagus; and some standard deworming, to prevent intestinal parasites, which could make Parvo symptoms worse, and slow recovery.”
Hospital stays can last up to a week, and can become very expensive. Follow up antibiotic treatments, administered at home, will likely be prescribed. Your puppy’s diet will be limited to something bland, soft, and easy to digest. Over several weeks, with your vets approval, you’ll reintroduce regular foods.
Stregowski adds, “For about a month after treatment, your dog should not visit public places, and should be kept away from other unvaccinated puppies or dogs.” This is because your dog will continue to shed the virus for about four weeks after recovery.
Prevention & Decontamination
The best and only prevention for Parvo is vaccination. Common vaccinations are often 5-in-1s. That is, 5 vaccinations from 5 different diseases, administered in 1 single shot. Parvo will be represented by a single P in the name of the 5-in-1. Ask your vet about the vaccine.
Puppies should be vaccinated against Parvo as part of their regular vaccine series, and veterinarian recommend not letting your new puppy socialize with other dogs until they are two shots into their series.
Once a dog has been infected with Parvo, disinfection of the home environment is critical. Bear in mind, Parvo can be tracked and carried around on the bottom of human and animal feet, on toys, or on fur. For this reason, all areas of the home should be decontaminated, even if the infected animal didn’t spend time there.
Bleach is the only household chemical that will kill Parvo. A ratio of 1 oz bleach to 32 oz of water, or stronger, is recommended. Stregowski says, “Generally, parvovirus will not live indoors for more than a month or two,” but it’s still important to decontaminate wherever you can. Obviously, bleaching carpets is not practical, but consider a professional steam cleaning. It might not kill the virus, but it will diminish it in the home.
Outdoor areas are even harder to decontaminate. It’s best to keep an infected dog confined to a small area until you’re sure the virus is entirely gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of parvo in a dog?
Recognizing the early signs of parvo is crucial for prompt veterinary intervention and increasing the chances of a successful outcome. Within a week of virus exposure, the first signs of parvo often appear. The most characteristic sign is severe and persistent vomiting, often accompanied by a sudden loss of appetite. The dog may also exhibit lethargy and depression, appearing weak and uninterested in activities it would typically enjoy. Additionally, parvo can cause diarrhea, which is often foul-smelling, watery, and most times contains blood. This diarrhea can rapidly lead to dehydration, exacerbating the dog's overall condition. As the virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract, dogs with parvo may experience abdominal pain, discomfort, and bloating. Fever is another common early sign, with the dog exhibiting an elevated body temperature. Due to the rapid progression of the disease, affected dogs may deteriorate rapidly, becoming dehydrated, weak, and shock-like. In severe cases, dogs may collapse and experience seizures as a result of the virus's impact on their neurological system.
Can a dog survive a parvo?
Yes, dogs can survive a parvo. The likelihood of success is considerably increased by early detection and fast, thorough treatment. When a dog is diagnosed with parvo, the most critical aspect is to address the severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by vomiting and diarrhea. This involves hospitalization and administration of intravenous fluids to restore hydration levels and correct imbalances. In addition, the dog might be given antibiotics to stop secondary infections as well as drugs to stop vomiting and diarrhea. However, the treatment of parvo can be expensive, and despite aggressive treatment, there is still a risk of death. Regardless of the risk of death even with aggressive treatment, the reported survival rates for parvo can approach 90 percent with proper care. These rates can vary depending on factors such as the age and overall health of the dog, the severity of the infection, and the timeliness and effectiveness of treatment.
What happens when a dog has parvo?
When a dog is infected with parvovirus, it can lead to a cascade of detrimental effects on their body. Parvo predominantly attacks quickly dividing cells, particularly those in the gastrointestinal system and bone marrow. The virus attacks the lining of the intestines, causing severe inflammation and damage, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. The vomiting is often persistent and can be accompanied by a sudden loss of appetite. Typically, the diarrhea is copious, watery, and foul-smelling; occasionally, blood is present. These gastrointestinal symptoms contribute to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition, which further weaken the dog's overall condition. Parvo also suppresses the immune system, leaving the dog vulnerable to secondary infections, which can lead to complications such as sepsis or pneumonia. The virus can affect the bone marrow, reducing the production of red and white blood cells, resulting in anemia and a compromised ability to fight off infections. As the disease progresses, the dog may exhibit lethargy, depression, weakness, and an inability to stand or walk. In extreme circumstances, the dog can experience shock, organ failure, and dehydration, all of which can be fatal.
Can a vaccinated dog get parvo?
While vaccination greatly reduces the risk of a dog contracting parvo, it is not an absolute guarantee against the disease. Vaccinations are highly effective in preventing parvovirus infection, but they are not 100 percent foolproof. A dog who has received the parvo vaccine may still be vulnerable for a few reasons. First, no vaccine provides absolute immunity, and there is always a small chance of a vaccinated dog being infected. Second, there are different strains or variants of parvovirus, and vaccines typically protect against the most common strains. However, if a dog is exposed to a less common or mutated strain, it may still become infected. Third, individual variations in immune response can influence the effectiveness of the vaccine. For instance, a pup's mother's milk immunity may prevent them from responding to vaccinations effectively. This means that even puppies who have received vaccinations may occasionally contract parvovirus and become ill. Puppy vaccines are given in a sequence to prevent gaps in protection and to offer the best protection against parvovirus during the first few months of life.
What is the last stage of parvo?
The last stage of parvo is usually the most critical and life-threatening phase of the illness. As the infection spreads, the dog's health may rapidly deteriorate, creating life-threatening problems. As the dehydration worsens, the dog may show significant lethargy, weakness, and the inability to stand or walk. The dog's gums may appear pale or white, indicating compromised circulation. Severe gastrointestinal injury can cause profuse, uncontrolled diarrhea that frequently contains blood. This leads to further fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances, exacerbating the dog's overall condition. In some cases, the dog may enter a state of shock, where blood pressure drops significantly, compromising organ function.
More on Dog Symptoms
Symptoms of Allergies in Cats and Dogs
How to Know if Your Dog Has Anxiety
Symptoms of Eye Infections in Pets
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
