🐶 Canine Parvovirus (Parvo)
📚Submitted by: 🎣 www.facebook.com/groups/1478392040080778/
Parvo is a highly contagious and potentially deadly viral disease that primarily affects puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
It attacks:
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The intestinal lining
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The immune system
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Sometimes the heart (rare form)
Without treatment, it can become fatal quickly.
🧠 What’s Actually Happening?
Parvo targets rapidly dividing cells in the body.
That means it attacks:
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The cells lining the intestines
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Bone marrow (immune cells)
As a result:
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The intestinal lining breaks down
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Severe diarrhea develops
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The body can’t absorb nutrients
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Bacteria enter the bloodstream
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Severe dehydration and shock can occur
It can progress very fast — especially in puppies.
⚠️ How It Spreads
Parvo spreads through:
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Direct contact with infected dogs
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Contact with contaminated feces
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Shoes, clothing, hands
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Soil (the virus can live for months)
It is extremely hardy and resistant to many cleaners.
Bleach is one of the few disinfectants that kills it.
🔍 Symptoms
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Severe vomiting
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Bloody diarrhea (classic sign)
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Lethargy
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Loss of appetite
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Fever (or low body temperature)
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Rapid dehydration
Puppies may collapse within 24–48 hours if untreated.
🧪 How It’s Diagnosed
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Physical exam
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Rapid fecal test (in clinic)
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Bloodwork showing low white blood cells
Early diagnosis improves survival.
🛠 Treatment
There is no direct cure for the virus — treatment is supportive and aggressive:
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IV fluids
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Electrolytes
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Anti-nausea medication
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Antibiotics (to prevent sepsis)
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Hospitalization
Survival rate:
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High with early intensive treatment
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Very low without treatment
💉 Prevention
Vaccination is extremely effective.
Puppies need:
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A series of parvo vaccines starting at 6–8 weeks
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Boosters every few weeks until ~16 weeks
Vaccination saves lives.
💥 Bottom Line
Parvo is:
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Highly contagious
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Life-threatening
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Preventable with vaccination
If a puppy has vomiting and bloody diarrhea — seek veterinary care immediately.
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