What is canine parvovirus?
Updated By PetymFacts checked against official sources on
Quick answer
Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious virus that attacks a dog's gut and immune system. It spreads through infected faeces, survives a long time in the environment and hits unvaccinated puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months hardest. Vomiting and bloody diarrhoea can kill within days, and it is prevented by the core vaccine.
Also called parvo, CPV, CPV-2, canine parvo.
Key facts
- Parvo most often affects puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months old. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- The first signs are usually lethargy, then poor appetite and vomiting. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- The virus is shed in faeces, is hardy in the environment and resists many household disinfectants. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Parvovirus vaccine is core for every dog in every country, given as part of the DHPPi combination. WSAVAstudy
- Signs usually appear 5 to 7 days after infection, and 70 to 90% of dogs survive with proper supportive care. Merck Veterinary Manual
- Cornell advises keeping an infected dog isolated during treatment and for up to 2 weeks after recovery. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
How does a dog catch parvo?
A dog swallows the virus. Infected dogs shed it in their faeces, sometimes before they look ill, and anything that touches contaminated ground or faeces can carry it. Because it survives for a long time indoors and outdoors, a puppy can catch it from a lift, a lobby or a patch of grass where an infected dog passed weeks earlier.
That is why vets ask owners to keep a puppy off shared ground until its vaccine course is finished. In Indian cities, where many dogs share the same society gardens, roadsides and building entrances, this matters even for a puppy that never meets another dog.
What are the signs of parvo in a puppy?
Signs often begin quietly. Any puppy with several of these needs a vet the same day.
- Unusual tiredness or sleeping much more than normal: often the first sign. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Not wanting to eat. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Vomiting, often repeated. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Diarrhoea, often bloody, usually within a day or two of the first signs. Merck Veterinary Manual
- Fever and dehydration. Merck Veterinary Manual
- In severe cases, collapse with a weak pulse and a low body temperature: an emergency. Merck Veterinary Manual
Can parvo be treated, and how is it prevented?
There is no medicine that kills the virus. Treatment is intensive supportive care, usually in hospital: fluids into a vein, control of vomiting and treatment of infection while the gut heals. Survival depends on the puppy's age and size and how ill it is when care starts, so early treatment gives the best chance.
Prevention is the core vaccine. In India it is usually given as DHPPi, starting at 6 to 8 weeks and repeated every 2 to 4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks or older, with a booster at about 26 weeks under WSAVA's 2024 guidance. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center notes that ordinary household cleaners often fail; properly diluted bleach left on a cleaned surface for at least 10 minutes works.
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Questions owners ask
How long does parvovirus live in a house?
- A long time. Cornell describes the virus as hardy in the environment and resistant to many household disinfectants, so a home or yard can stay contaminated for months after an infected dog. Clean surfaces first, then use a disinfectant your vet recommends, and keep unvaccinated puppies away.
Can a vaccinated dog get parvo?
- It is uncommon in a dog that has finished its full puppy course and booster. Puppies are at risk until the series is complete, because antibodies from the mother can block early doses. That is why the last puppy dose is given at 16 weeks or older and a booster follows at about 26 weeks.
Can adult dogs get parvo?
- Yes, an unvaccinated adult dog can catch it, though puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months are affected most often and most severely. Any dog with vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and lethargy should see a vet quickly, whatever its age or vaccine history.
Can humans or cats catch parvo from a dog?
- Canine parvovirus does not infect people. Cats have their own parvovirus, feline panleukopenia, which is prevented by the cat core vaccine. Anyone handling a sick dog should still wash hands and change clothes before touching a puppy, because they can carry the virus to other dogs.
Keep reading
Related terms
More in health conditions
- ArthritisArthritis, or osteoarthritis, is a long-term joint disease in which worn cartilage lets the joint surfaces rub, causing stiffness, swelling and pain. It is very common in older dogs and cats. It cannot be cured, but pain relief from a vet, a healthy weight, gentle regular exercise and a few home changes keep most pets comfortable for years.
- Bloat (GDV)Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is when a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off its blood supply. It mainly affects large and giant deep-chested breeds. Unproductive retching, a swelling belly, drooling and restlessness are the signs. It is a surgical emergency that can kill within hours.
- BOASBOAS, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, is a breathing disorder of flat-faced dogs. Narrow nostrils, an overlong soft palate and a small windpipe block airflow, so affected dogs snore, snort, tire quickly and overheat easily. It is worse in heat, humidity and obesity. Surgery can widen the airway, and a lean weight helps.
- Canine distemperCanine distemper is a serious viral disease of dogs that can attack the skin, airways, gut and nervous system. It spreads in droplets from coughing, sneezing and barking, and through body fluids. There is no specific cure, and some dogs do not survive even with treatment. The D in the DHPPi vaccine prevents it.
- Cat fluCat flu is the everyday name for an upper respiratory infection in cats. More than 90% of cases are caused by feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus or both. Cats sneeze, have runny eyes and nose and may stop eating. Most recovered cats remain carriers, and stress can bring the virus back. Vaccination usually prevents severe disease.
- Cherry eyeCherry eye is when the tear gland inside a dog's third eyelid slips out of place and shows as a smooth, red, cherry-like lump in the inner corner of the eye. It is common in young Bulldogs, Beagles, Shih Tzus and Pugs, and needs a vet, usually for surgery to put the gland back.
- Chronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slow, lasting loss of kidney function, common in older cats and also seen in older dogs. Early on there are often no signs; later a pet drinks and urinates more, eats less and loses weight. It cannot be cured, but a kidney diet, water and regular checks can slow it.
- DehydrationDehydration means a pet's body has lost more water than it has taken in, through heat, panting, vomiting, diarrhoea or illness. Early on the gums turn sticky; then the skin loses its spring and the eyes sink. A mildly dehydrated pet needs water and a watchful eye; a weak, vomiting or collapsing one needs a vet now.
- Dental diseaseDental disease in pets is mostly periodontal disease: plaque bacteria inflame the gums (gingivitis) and then destroy the tissue and bone holding the teeth (periodontitis). It is the most common disorder vets diagnose in dogs, and very common in cats. Bad breath, tartar and red gums are the early signs. Daily brushing prevents most of it.
- Diabetes in petsDiabetes mellitus is a lifelong condition in which a dog or cat cannot make or use enough insulin, so sugar builds up in the blood. Signs are drinking and peeing more, hunger and weight loss. Most diabetic pets live well on insulin injections given at set times with meals, and some cats go into remission.
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Sources
Each source was opened and read on the date shown. How Petym checks its sources
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Parvovirus: transmission to treatment (Riney Canine Health Center) (opens in a new tab)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Canine parvovirus infection (opens in a new tab)
- WSAVA: Core and non-core vaccines for pet dogs (opens in a new tab)
- WSAVA: 2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats (WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group, Journal of Small Animal Practice) (opens in a new tab)