The virus is spread through traces of feces from infected dogs. Asymptomatic dogs that are infected but aren't showing symptoms can spread Parvo, as well as dogs with symptoms, and those that have recently recovered from the condition.
Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people.
Once a dog has recovered from parvo, it is unlikely that they will contract the virus again. The immunity from the virus lasts for several years, protecting your dog from reinfection. It is theoretically possible for a dog to get parvo twice, but such chances are very slim.
Because parvovirus is very contagious and hardy in its environment, proper disinfection is crucial. Dogs with parvovirus should be isolated during their treatment, and for up to 2 weeks after recovery. Most common household cleaners will not kill parvovirus.
Puppies with parvo continue to shed the virus for up to 10 days after clinical recovery, so be sure to keep any puppies recovering from parvo away from unvaccinated and partially vaccinated dogs.
It can survive indoors for months and outdoors it can live for months to years, especially in dark, moist environments. Parvo can be easily spread by fomites, which are objects such as a doorknob or pet fur that can be contaminated by a virus. Dog-to-dog contact is not required for susceptible dogs to become infected.
The most common incubation time for parvovirus is 3-5 days but can occasionally be as long as 14 days. For this reason, the standard quarantine duration for animals with negative titers and known exposure to parvo is 14 days.
The best and most effective disinfectant against viruses (including parvoviruses) is BLEACH. One part bleach is mixed with 30 parts water and is applied to bowls, floors, surfaces, toys, bedding, and anything contaminated that is colorfast or for which color changes are not important.
A dog infected with parvo is contagious for about a month after you first notice signs. The dog will pass a large amount of the virus in its stool during the first two weeks after infection. The virus can survive for a long time in almost any environment.
If your dog is diagnosed with parvovirus, it should be kept separate from other dogs until it has been treated and has recovered,” Hung said. “Owners with parvovirus-infected dogs should also be wary of their property and clothing so they do not spread the virus unknowingly to other owners and their dogs.”
Parvo Prevention
Parvo is a preventable disease, but even vaccinated dogs are not 100% protected from the virus.
Canine parvovirus can be found in almost any environment, but not every dog who comes into contact with the virus becomes infected. Several factors come into play in infection, including the immune status of the dog and the number of viruses the dog is exposed to.
While parvo is not a risk to humans, it is very contagious to other dogs. Although bathing will not prevent your dog from being contagious, it will reduce the amount of contagion and clean soiled fur of body fluids.
Parvo is an environmental pathogen transferred by a fecal-oral cycle that is so infectious that even after parvo-infected dog poop is washed away by rain or snow, the virus can remain in the soil, local veterinarians explained.
Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water will remove the virus. Specific disinfectants need to be used to remove parvovirus from the environment, including toys, clothing and cages.
The disease is so infectious that even a human that has unknowingly been in contact with an infected dog can spread the virus to puppies and other dogs just by touching them.
Virus is shed in the feces of infected dogs within 4–5 days of exposure (often before clinical signs develop), throughout the period of illness, and for ~10 days after clinical recovery.
Because parvovirus can remain in the environment for a prolonged period, it is important to avoid bringing unvaccinated pets into the home. While most dogs that recover from parvovirus live a normal, healthy life, one study found that some dog patients were more likely to develop chronic GI issues.
The survival rate for hospitalization is 90%. The survival rate for at-home care is 50%.
There should be no permanent ramifications due to this infection. The recovered puppy should lead a normal life once the recovery period is completed (approximately 1-2 weeks).
Vaccinations stimulate the immune system to make a response. In a disease that destroys the immune system, there is nothing left to fight the disease. This is how some dogs can become infected with Parvovirus, and it's not related to vaccine failure or lack of vaccine immunity although it may initially appear this way.
Parvo can be found in almost any environment. It is transmitted when a susceptible dog comes in contact with the virus. This includes contact with the feces of an infected dog, or objects that contain the virus (shoes, clothes, bedding, bowls, grass, carpets, floors, etc).
A pet infected with parvovirus may develop a fever and behave lethargically, possibly refusing food within the first few days of infection. Within 24-48 hours, copious vomiting and diarrhea present, often containing blood in the later stages.