It is caused by a virus that is spread via fecal-oral transmission. That is, the virus that causes parvo is passed in the feces (stools) of infected dogs. Other dogs can become infected by sniffing, licking, or ingesting the stool or anything that the stool has touched, even in microscopic amounts.
Disease can be spread in a number of ways, including: Direct contact between dogs – this can include the simple act of touching noses or sniffing each other. Contact with the feces (stool) or urine of infected dogs. Sticks, toys, equipment and objects with which other dogs have interacted.
Parvo is not spread through blood, urine, or any other substance (excluding saliva) but through the feces, secretions from the intestinal tract, or the intestine of an infected animal; the virus has to be ingested in order for the animal to be infected.
Some find that there is a distinct metallic smell to feces infected with parvovirus. If left untreated, parvo cases can escalate quickly and dehydrate the dog to the point of no return.
How do dogs and puppies contract Parvo? 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).
Puppies are vaccinated against parvo at approximately 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. They are vulnerable to the disease until they have received all three shots in their vaccination series, which means owners need to take extra precaution during this time to prevent their puppies from contracting the virus.
The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.
Parvo can be easily spread by fomites, which are objects such as a doorknob or pet fur that can be contaminated by a virus.
Parvo is a preventable disease, but even vaccinated dogs are not 100% protected from the virus.
Symptoms of Parvo
Symptoms of intestinal parvo begin to show from three to 10 days after the infection. Some of the symptoms evident in your puppy include: Vomiting. Dehydration.
The first sign of parvo for puppies is often lethargy, lack of appetite, and a fever. Canines will begin to suffer from vomiting and diarrhea as the virus progresses, and can experience dehydration and a high heart rate as a result.
FALSE – Although Parvovirus is spread via bodily secretions of infected dogs (eg. Saliva, urine, feces) the virus can stay in the soil for years after an infected dog has shed the virus in an area. As a result, people, cars, other animals can all transport the virus to many areas on their feet, shoes and wheels.
Direct contact isn't necessary for transmission — Because parvovirus can be transmitted via infected surfaces, dog-to-dog contact isn't necessary for infection. The virus can be transmitted to your puppy when she walks on a previously contaminated surface, or from shoes, clothing, or toys brought into your home.
That is, the virus that causes parvo is passed in the feces (stools) of infected dogs. Other dogs can become infected by sniffing, licking, or ingesting the stool or anything that the stool has touched, even in microscopic amounts. This virus is not known to infect people.
When you breathe in these ammonia fumes, not only does it smell bad, but it can cause some severe problems as well. If your pet has urinated in a place with reduced ventilation such as a room or even in the house, it could trigger issues like asthma, pneumonia, and in some cases, even suffocation.
The virus can live on contaminated surfaces or clothing for up to 5-6 months.
In the U.S., people tend to get infected with parvovirus B19 more often in late winter, spring, and early summer. Mini-outbreaks of parvovirus B19 infection occur about every 3 to 4 years. Since parvovirus B19 only infects humans, a person cannot get the virus from a dog or cat.
The best household cleaner to use to kill parvovirus is bleach (1 part bleach to 30 parts water). It should be used on hard surfaces including tiles, concrete, paving bottoms of shoes etc – leave the bleach on the surface at least 10-15 minutes. Anything that can be washed in bleach should be.
Can vaccinated dogs get parvo? Short answer: YES! Some may think once their dog is vaccinated they can't catch Parvo, but the virus has different strains and reinvents itself. So unfortunately, dogs definitely can still catch the parvovirus.
Parvovirus can survive on clothing, toys, human skin, and in the environment. Therefore, indirect transmission can occur when a puppy comes in contact with a contaminated person or object. As previously mentioned, parvovirus can survive indoors at room temperature for a couple of months.
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. Which means that an innocent pat on the head can become the beginning of a life-threatening condition.
Parvo can live in the ground, the grass, on bushes – pretty much anywhere (although it is not an airborne virus). Disease prevention is always less costly (and risky) than treating a condition your pet has developed.
Even if your puppy is vaccinated, and has created antibodies to fight off the infection, she can still become infected with the virus. If you live in a high-risk area or have met a Parvovirus-infected dog, your puppy can pick up a large amount of virus material from this interaction.
Parvovirus is found in any environment (lawns, homes, kennels, dog parks, etc.) and comes from infected dogs that excrete the virus in their vomit or feces. Puppies are more likely to get parvo because they are more likely investigate everything on the ground.
Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is highly resistant and can survive for months in the environment. Studies have observed that if your Fido is not vaccinated, the chances of him getting parvovirus are very high, and the morbidity rate is 100%.