Parvovirus (also known as Parvo) is a highly contagious and devastating viral disease affecting dogs of all ages. Parvo can be fatal, especially in young and immunocompromised pets. Parvo causes vomiting and diarrhea with or without blood, not eating or drinking, lethargy, fever, and in some cases heart disease resulting in sudden death. Parvo is transmitted through contact with the stool of an infected dog or contaminated environment. Although people cannot become infected with parvovirus, they can transmit the disease to healthy, unvaccinated dogs after handling infected dogs or contaminated objects. The only way to destroy parvo in the environment is a bleach/water substance. Your veterinarian can give you guidelines for poper clean up and disinfection of contaminated areas.
Be cautious when taking a new puppy to parks, puppy classes, and doggy day care until the puppy is fully vaccinated. Limiting or preventing contact with another dog’s feces help to prevent the spread of parvo as well as other diseases.
Vaccination against parvovirus is the best protection. Parvovirus vaccination should begin at 6-8 weeks of age. Repeat vaccinations should be administered every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. Recent information regarding Parvovirus infection may extend this recommendation to 20 weeks and even longer for certain breeds. Regular annual booster vaccinations are strongly recommended to ensure proper immunity.
Having your dog vaccinated by a veterinarian insures protection against parvovirus infection. Only your veterinarian knows the most efficient vaccination strategy for prevention of parvovirus infection.