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.
Disinfectants like Dettol, Clorox, Lysol, Odoban and Alcohol will NOT kill parvovirus.
In regards to your first question, parvovirus is pretty hardy virus, as I am sure you are aware. There are some studies stating that it can be inactivated readily at boiling temperatures (212 degrees F); unfortunately this isn't an option in conventional washing machines.
Parvovirus can survive months on surfaces such as concrete so infections can still be transmitted to new dogs after your dog is recovered. This is especially important to consider when thinking about bringing another puppy into your home, either to add to your family or even if they are just visiting.
The Parvovirus Vaccine Keeps Puppies Alive
It's extremely contagious, very expensive to treat, and, most important, parvovirus is preventable if puppies, their moms, and other dogs get the parvovirus vaccine. Every dog parent should vaccinate their pups to keep them safe.
While prompt veterinary care is the best way to treat parvo, some home remedies can help alleviate symptoms, including bland diets of boiled chicken and rice, electrolyte supplements, and probiotics. It's important to note that these remedies should not replace professional veterinary care, especially in severe cases.
Most deaths from parvovirus occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. If your puppy or dog shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
A University of Sydney study has found that canine parvovirus (CPV), a highly contagious and deadly disease that tragically kills puppies, is more prevalent than previously thought with 20,000 cases found in Australia each year, and nearly half of these cases result in death.
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.
If possible, flush the yard with water and allow to dry. Then apply a disinfectant that is effective with organic material, such as AHP or potassium peroxymonosulfate. These can be used with a pesticide sprayer or hose-end sprayer at the proper dilution to saturate the outside area.
The parvovirus is a particularly resilient virus. It can survive indoors at room temperature for at least two months and is resistant to many commonly used cleaners and disinfectants. Outdoors, the parvovirus can survive for months, and even years, if protected from direct sunlight.
“Remember, no hand sanitizer is effective against the most durable pathogens, such as the parvoviruses or ringworm.”
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.
contagious virus infecting members of the canine family, including dogs, coyotes, foxes and wolves. Commonly called “parvo”, the organism is very stable in the environment, able to withstand freezing temperatures and many disinfectants to survive as long as seven months in a contaminated area.
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.
The highest risk of death occurs around 24-72 hours after you see the symptoms of parvo in dogs. If a puppy is hospitalized, given lots of supportive care, and monitored closely, the survival rate is usually around 75-80%.
You will need to disinfect your entire home in and outside to prevent your dog getting sick again. Outdoor and hard surfaces can be disinfected with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. This is an effective way to remove the Parvo virus from those surfaces.
The Parvo virus can live nine months to a year in favorable conditions such as dirt, concrete, and soil. It can live up to six months in fabric and carpets.
Basic bleach is the most effective disinfectant for many household surfaces, though puppy owners may need to buy a special parvo carpet cleaner to treat a rug without staining it.
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.
Certain breeds and types of dogs appear to have a higher risk of parvovirus infection or show more severe illness once infected. These include Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bull Terrier breeds, and Alaskan sled dogs.
Certain breeds, including Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, English Springer Spaniels, and Alaskan sled dogs, are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
The average recovery time for parvo in dogs is between 5 to 10 days depending on the severity of the infection. Since the immune system is very weak during this time, it's possible the dog may pick up a secondary infection that can lead to an increase in the recovery time.
Parvovirus B19 most commonly causes fifth disease, a mild rash illness that usually affects children. Adults can get infected with parvovirus B19 resulting in fifth disease too.
It can take approximately a week for dogs to recover from Parvo.