Parvovirus (CPV2) is a deadly problem for puppies, and by the time symptoms are noticed, and taken seriously by the owners, it is sometimes too late to save the animal. As such knowing the symptoms and acting quickly are key to saving a dogs life.

Parvo may present itself differently depending on the age of the animal. Cardiac Parvo strikes the very young puppies, often born to mothers who were not vaccinated, and is nearly always fatal. Gastrointestinal Parvo is seen most often in pups from 8 to 20 weeks of age (but can occur at any age), and is often fatal if not caught in time, while some adult dogs will get mildly ill, others will show no symptoms at all, however they will shed the virus and risk passing it on to other dogs.

Symptoms of Cardiac Parvo

Pups may be born dead, or in the first six weeks, one pup in a litter may appear to gasp for air and die, a result of the inflammation around the heart. Typically the other pups will suffer the same fate.

Symptoms of Gastro Intestinal Parvo (may vary in every dog)

Lethargy

Appetite Loss

Dehydration

Diarrhea (often black and with a very foul smell)

Vomiting

Fever (over 102F, or 40C)

Death

*If your puppy has any of these symptoms, particularly the dark, smelly diarrhea, or if your dog has other symptoms with unknown cause, call the veterinarian.

Photo by Uwe Gille (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Case Study

A litter of four pups is surrendered to an animal shelter at 7 weeks of age, they seem healthy and robust. After being there for two days the staff notice two of the pups (common with young pups who often play themselves out) are somewhat lethargic, on the third morning the staff come to work immediately noticing a foul smell coming from the puppy room, they walk into find the puppy room floor covered in dark black diarrhea, and yellow bile vomit. The puppies are all listless and show no interest in eating. A sample is immediately taken to the veterinarian who confirms Canine Parvo Virus. The shelter cannot afford the expensive treatment (with no guarantees) and euthanizes the pups, and immediately begin cleaning the shelter with one of the few things that will kill the Parvo Virus, Bleach.

Extra precautions are taken to make sure the staff do not spread the virus, they bleach dip their shoes, and refuse admittance to any unvaccinated dogs for two weeks until no other cases present themselves at the shelter.  NOTE:  The Parvo virus can live for months in the environment, bleach being one of the few things that can kill it.

Diagnosis

The only correct method of truly diagnosing parvo is by immediately taking a stool sample to the veterinarian. Some veterinarians would rather have the dog brought in immediately so it can be checked, and treatment started at once, blood tests may be done as well. An owner who suspects Parvo should call their veterinarian at once, and find out if the vet wants to see the animal, or if they prefer a stool sample.

Prevention

Prevention is the most important thing an owner can do. Vaccination is the best prevention, but is not a guarantee that a dog may not get parvo at all, however it will offer some defense should they become ill.

Young pups should be vaccinated at 5 weeks, 8 weeks, and again at 12 weeks, or per a veterinarians advice. They should not leave their owners home, or fenced yard, until three days following their final vaccination, nor should they be near other dogs who may carry, or bring home the virus.

Puppy owners need to be aware that the parvo virsus may be tracked home on ones shoes, so if they have pups at home, they need to be careful about changing footwear before entering the whelping area.

Pregnant dogs who were not vaccinated must be kept away from other dogs, or areas trafficked by other dogs.

Treatment

There are no "quick fixes" or Home Remedies, for parvo.  The dog must be taken to a vet and properly treated and hydrated. While older dogs may "pull through" on their own, this is not often true of puppies.  Keeping the dog hydrated until it can be taken to a vet is key in its chances for survival.

Related Reading

Facts about Canine Parvovirus

Causes and Treatments of Diarrhea in Dogs

How to Help your Dog have a Happy and Long Life

Why is my Dog Coughing