There's no single percentage for how many dogs get parvo, as it varies by vaccination rates, location, and breed, but it's a common, highly contagious virus, with studies showing high infection rates (like 61-72%) in unvaccinated or at-risk populations, leading to severe illness, though vaccination dramatically reduces risk, and a significant number of cases occur annually, especially in puppies.
Up to 30% of fully vaccinated puppies and 10% of fully vaccinated adult dogs can still contract Parvo...
Canine parvovirus cases occur across Australia with an estimated 20,000+ cases a year across the country [3]. The virus is highly infectious and infected dogs shed the virus in their faeces; this may start from day four post infection, which may be before the dog develops clinical signs of disease [1].
The total infection rate of canine parvovirus in the current study was 71.65% in vaccinated dogs and 28.35% in unvaccinated dogs (Table 5).
While all dogs can get parvo, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and English Springer Spaniels are noted for higher susceptibility, with black and tan breeds possibly responding less to vaccines when young; puppies, unvaccinated dogs, and those with weakened immunity are at greatest risk.
Theoretically, puppies are never safe from parvo; however, puppies between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks are most susceptible to the disease as well as unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs.
Products that are effective at killing parvoviruses include Rescue™ (accelerated hydrogen peroxide), potassium peroxymonosulfate (e.g., Virkon® or Trifectant®), calcium hypochlorite (e.g., Wysiwash®), bleach, and sodium dichloroisocyanurate (e.g., Bruclean®).
These are some important signs to watch out for:
Studies have shown that most animals have immunity from the diseases they are vaccinated against for at least three years after their first booster. This immunity might last even longer, but at this time the recommendation is to administer most vaccines every three years.
High-risk areas for canine parvovirus (Parvo) are places with many dogs, lower vaccination rates, or recent outbreaks, including dog parks, beaches, kennels, shelters, and rural/remote areas, where the resilient virus spreads easily via feces and contaminated surfaces, putting unvaccinated puppies and immunocompromised dogs at extreme risk. Local outbreaks often occur in suburbs or regions with lower socioeconomic status, highlighting a link to poor vaccination uptake.
With an untreated mortality rate of 91%, and a treated mortality rate ranging from 68-92% most pet owners are unaware that such a virus even exists.
1. Pit Bull Terriers. Pit Bull Terriers invariably top lists of the most aggressive dog breeds. Statistics show they were responsible for 66% of fatal dog attacks between 2005 and 2019.
Parvo Vaccination Cost
In Australia, parvovirus vaccinations usually cost between $80 – $150. Considering that if your pet contracts the disease, parvovirus treatment costs can be anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000+, the small cost of a vaccine is a worthwhile investment in your pet's health.
A dog “can get it just from going on a walk and stepping on dirt that has the virus.” Parvo can live on surfaces like grass and sidewalks for a year.
Vaccines offer protection, but a vaccinated dog can still get parvo or distemper if they are exposed to it. It's rare, but vaccines are not a 100% protection.
While life has, in many ways, gone back to normal since the early days of the pandemic, parvo cases remain on the rise in many areas. For this reason, taking steps to protect your canine companion is crucial.
While all dogs can contract canine parvovirus, certain groups are at higher risk. These include puppies aged 6 to 20 weeks, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, and specific breeds, such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, Bull Terriers, and German Shepherds.
The disease most often strikes in pups between six and 20 weeks old, but older animals are sometimes also affected.
Here's the bottom line: Not vaccinating your dog or cat leaves them vulnerable to dangerous and potentially fatal diseases that are completely preventable.
The clinical signs of parvovirus can vary but generally include severe vomiting and diarrhea. The diarrhea often has a powerful smell, may contain a lot of mucus, and may or may not contain blood. Additionally, affected dogs often exhibit a lack of appetite, marked listlessness and depression, and fever.
It is best to limit your dog's exposure to public areas until it is fully vaccinated. Maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices is crucial in preventing parvovirus in dogs. Clean and disinfect living areas, bedding, and toys regularly, using appropriate pet-safe products.
Stage 1: The initial stage of parvo, known as the incubation period, occurs after the puppy has been exposed to the virus. During this period, the virus begins to replicate in the body, but there may be no visible signs of illness. The incubation period can last anywhere from three to fourteen days.
Parvo cannot be safely treated at home, and there is no miracle cure. Without professional veterinary care, most infected puppies and dogs do not survive.
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.
Parvo is also expensive to treat. With diagnosis and treatment, parvo can cost between $500 and $2,000 on average. You could end up paying more if your pet needs to be hospitalized for an extended period of time. Your best course of action is to take preventive measures to avoid parvovirus infection in the first place.