Parvo: What Puppy and Dog Owners Need To Know

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 2
5 min read

Canine parvovirus, also known as parvo, is one of the most serious viral threats to dogs and puppies. It’s fast-acting, highly contagious, and potentially fatal.

Fortunately, vaccines and understanding how parvo works can help you keep your pup safe from this life-threatening virus.

What Is Parvo?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), parvo is an extremely contagious virus that attacks a dog's gastrointestinal system. In puppies, it can also impact the heart.

We know that the word "parvo" generally strikes fear into the hearts of dog owners. It is known for being highly contagious and fatal. But we'll talk more about that shortly.

What Dogs Are Most At-Risk of Getting Parvo?

Puppies between the ages of six and 20 weeks, unvaccinated dogs, and incompletely vaccinated dogs are most at risk of catching parvo.

It’s also more common in the following breeds:

Bull terrier breeds
Doberman pinschers
English springer spaniels
German shepherds
Rottweilers

Learn More: Puppy Vaccine Schedule

What Is the Prognosis for Parvo?

With prompt treatment, the prognosis is actually good. According to PetMD, up to 95% of puppies with parvo will survive as long as they get immediate and aggressive treatment. This includes hospitalization, close monitoring, and supportive care.

Without treatment, the prognosis isn’t great. USA Today reports that the fatality rate can be up to 91% without treatment.

It’s important to note that treatment for parvo can be expensive. We have seen other rescues pay thousands upon thousands of dollars to save the life of a parvo puppy.

How Common Is Parvo?

According to Cornell University, parvo isn’t as common today as it was in the late 1970s, but it’s still pretty common. Outbreaks continue to occur regularly, so vaccinating your puppy or dog is super important.

USA Today says that up to 900 cases are diagnosed each day in the United States. This is around 330,000 cases per year.

As a rescue, we also hear about puppies being exposed to and getting parvo regularly. We can confidently say it's out there, and it's critical to do what you can to keep your dog safe.

Learn More: Common Health Issues Your Shelter Dog May Come Home With

How Is Parvo Diagnosed?

Your veterinarian can confirm your dog has parvo with a Fecal SNAP ELISA test. Results are typically available within 10 minutes.

Learn More: How To Choose a Veterinarian

How (And Where) Do Dogs Get Parvo?

Parvo can spread easily via direct contact with infected dogs. It can also spread through the feces of infected dogs or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Your dog may be able to get parvo from contaminated:

Clothing and hands of people who touched infected dogs
Collars and leashes
Food and water bowls
Kennels

It’s also possible for dogs in shelters or dogs who visit dog parks to get parvo if an infected dog is (or has been) present.

How Long After Exposure To Parvo Does a Dog Get Sick?

If a dog is infected with parvo, they usually start showing symptoms within three to seven days of exposure.

Can Dogs of Any Age Get Parvo?

Yes. Puppies between the ages of six weeks and 20 weeks are most vulnerable. However, unvaccinated dogs or dogs who have not been completely vaccinated can be at risk.

So, even though most people think of puppies when they think of parvo, it's important to keep your adult dog vaccinated because they can also be at risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Parvo?

Symptoms can vary from dog to dog. You should watch for:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Fever or low body temperature
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Severe and potentially bloody diarrhea
Vomiting

If you see any of these signs, you should immediately take your dog to the vet. Without proper treatment, your dog can go into septic shock and die within 48 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms.

Learn More: At-Home Dog Health Checks

How Is Parvo Treated?

Treatment includes supportive care and management. Protocols will vary, but hospitalization is almost always required.

While hospitalized, your dog may receive close monitoring along with:

Anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea meds
Antibiotics
Blood transfusions
IV fluids
Nutritional support
Warming

Veterinarians tailor treatment to the severity of the case and the dog's overall health.

What Long-Term Health Issues Can Parvo Cause?

If your dog survives parvo, they still may experience long-term health issues.These ailments can include:

Gastrointestinal issues
Heart disease
Kidney issues
Liver issues
Stunted growth
Permanently weakened immune system

How Long Does Parvo Last?

A full recovery can take time, depending on the severity of the illness. However, most dogs are often sick for five to 10 days after the onset of symptoms.

How Long Can Parvo Live on Surfaces?

Parvo is very resilient. The virus is resistant to cold, drying, heat, and humidity. It can live in the environment for many months.

Proper disinfecting is incredibly important to protect your dog from this virus.

Is Parvo Deadly?

Yes. Without proper and prompt treatment, parvo can be deadly.

Sadly, even with treatment, dogs can die from parvo. As a rescue, we have heard of this happening firsthand. It’s heartbreaking.

Is Parvo Contagious To Other Dogs?

Yes. Parvo is extremely contagious to other dogs. It spreads through direct or indirect contact with contaminated environments or infected feces. Dogs don't even need to meet face-to-face to spread the virus.

How Long Are Dogs With Parvo Contagious?

Dogs may shed parvo in their feces for anywhere from two weeks to one month. It's important to keep sick dogs quarantined, pick up poop immediately, and practice good sanitizing protocols to prevent the spread of parvo.

Is Parvo Contagious To People?

No. Humans cannot get parvo from dogs.

Is There a Vaccine for Parvo?

Yes! It's part of the core vaccines every dog should get (often called DAPP or DA2PP). The vaccine is the most effective way to protect your dog from parvovirus.

Learn More: Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule

Can Dogs Still Get Parvo Even if They’ve Been Vaccinated?

Unfortunately, yes. No vaccine is 100% effective.

Your vaccinated dog may still get parvo if they have immune suppression, an overwhelming viral load, or failure to develop immunity to the disease.

How Can I Protect My Dog From Getting Parvo?

Vaccines are the best way to protect your pup from parvo. You can also use the following strategies to keep your dog safe from parvo:

Avoid contact with infected dogs and their environment or items
Don’t take your dog to places where dogs gather until they are fully vaccinated
Implement proper disinfecting and sanitizing protocols to kill parvo on surfaces
Keep your dogs away from other dog’s poop
Only send your dogs to daycares, boarding, or training facilities with proper vaccination and hygiene practices
Properly dispose of your dog’s poop
Quarantine infected dogs
Wash your hands and clothes if you’ve been around dogs exposed to or infected with parvo

Final Thoughts

Parvo is terrifying, but it's not unbeatable. Understanding how it spreads, spotting symptoms early, and keeping your dog current on their vaccines makes a difference.

If you ever think your dog or puppy has parvo, take them to your vet right away. Quick action could save your dog's life.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional medical advice. It is based on personal experience and online research. Please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's health.

Sources

Malmanger, E. (2025, January 31). Parvo in Dogs and Puppies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for Canine Parvovirus. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/parvo-in-dogs
The Vets. (2025, January 20). Can a Fully Vaccinated Dog Still Get Parvo? Retrieved from https://thevets.com/resources/pet-diseases/can-a-fully-vaccinated-dog-get-parvo/
Walrath-Holdridge, M. (2023, September 26). First-Of-Its-Kind Parvo Treatment May Revolutionize Care for Highly Fatal Puppy Disease. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/09/23/treatment-for-parvo-in-dogs-nears-usda-approval/70922537007/
Vorhees, I., et al. (2019, December 12). Canine Parvovirus. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/research-baker-institute/canine-parvovirus
AVMA. (n.d.). Canine Parvovirus. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus
Cloud 9 Vets. (n.d.). Parvo in Dogs. Retrieved from https://cloud9vets.co.uk/knowledge-base/parvo-in-dogs/
PetPlate. (n.d.). Parvo and Your Dog’s Long-Term Digestive Health – What Pet Owners Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.petplate.com/blog/parvo-and-your-dogs-long-term-digestive-health-what-pet-owners-need-to-know/