Warm weather is finally here, and it is the perfect weather to take your dog for more walks, play at the dog park, and meet other dogs, but it also is the time when your dog has a higher risk of contracting canine parvovirus. 

What is canine parvovirus? 

According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, canine parvovirus (parvo) is a highly contagious disease caused by the canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) that attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and other canids like coyotes, foxes and wolves. 

Transmission 

Canine parvovirus is spread by direct contact with infected dogs, their feces (stool) or contact with contaminated surfaces (kennels, food, water bowls, collar leashes or infected hands or clothing of people that have interacted with infected dogs.) According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, parvo can survive in the environment for months even through the winter and is resistant to most household cleaning products.  

What are the symptoms? 

Although signs of infection vary from dog to dog, some of the signs to look for are: 

• Lethargy 

• Loss of appetite 

• Vomiting 

• Severe, often bloody, diarrhea 

• Abdominal pain and bloating 

• Fever or low body temperature 

If not treated on time, parvo can be deadly, especially for puppies and unvaccinated dogs. 

How to prevent my dog from contracting parvovirus? 

Vaccination is the best way to minimize the threat of parvo for your dog. Veterinarians usually administer the parvo vaccine as part of a combination shot including distemper, adenovirus, parvo, and parainfluenza every 3 to 4 weeks since the puppy is 6 weeks old until at least 16 weeks of age. A booster vaccine is recommender one year later and then at one-to-three-year intervals. You can get these and other vaccines at the wellness or vaccine clinics provided by the Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL). 

Other important ways to prevent your dog from getting infected are: 

• Keeping your puppy from interacting with other dogs until the last puppy vaccines are completed at 16 weeks or older  

• Disinfecting contaminated areas with one part bleach 30 parts of water and keeping any dogs away from the contaminated areas  

• Cleaning after your dog. 

If your dog gets infected or has suspicious clinical signs it is critical to seek veterinary care immediately and to isolate the infected dog from other pets in the house. 

 Canine parvovirus is a serious but preventable illness. By staying informed, following vaccination schedules, and practicing good hygiene, you can protect your dog and other pets in your community. For more information about ARL’s wellness clinics visit https://berksarl.org/veterinary-services/ or call 610-373-8830 ext. 640. 

SR Quote: “Please get your dogs vaccinated to protect them from parvovirus. Vaccination not only can save your dog’s life but will also save you thousands of dollars in medical bills, which would be the cost to try to treat a dog infected with parvovirus.”