by Katrina Murphy

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

One of the deadliest illnesses to protect your dog from is Canine Parvovirus. The severity of Parvo requires understanding of symptoms, transmission, treatment and prevention to ensure a long and healthy life of your dog.

What Is Parvovirus?

Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks a dog's cardiac muscles or intestinal tract, though it is commonly the intestinal variety. Parvovirus attacks the lymphatic system and travels to the bone marrow, which suppresses the immune system. The virus then attacks the intestinal villi, limiting a dog's ability to absorb nutrients. Unprotected dogs become severely ill within 10 days of exposure to Parvo; however, some dogs carry the virus without succumbing to illness.

Transmission of Canine Parvo

Parvovirus passes through the feces of infected dogs. Due to the high concentration of the virus, a tiny speck of infected feces is enough to spread infection to another dog. As dogs sniff the ground, especially near the waste of other dogs, they ingest the virus. Black and tan colored breeds, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers, are more susceptible to Parvovirus. However, any breed can become infected. The virus can survive all climates and weather, surviving 6-9 months in the soil.

Unprotected dogs confined to a home away from other dogs are not necessarily safe from Parvovirus. The infected feces can attach to a person's shoes or even the foot of a bird and contact another dog. The virus is highly contagious between dogs, but cannot transmit to humans.

Symptoms of Parvovirus

Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomit and diarrhea are common symptoms of Parvo. In puppies, the cardiac variety may not show any symptoms, yet result in unexpected death. The symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, but distinction in vomit and diarrhea provide clues to Parvovirus infection.

Vomit is often clear or frothy. Diarrhea is of liquid consistency and sometimes yellow or bloody. Parvo infected diarrhea carries a distinct smell, considered indescribable and unforgettable, of putrid and sweet smelling odor. Symptoms of Canine Parvo require immediate attention of a veterinarian.

Treating Parvovirus

There is no cure for Parvo. In dogs, survival of the first few days of treatment show significant clues to their chance of recovery. Parvo in puppies is far more deadly; recovery is possible, but they usually live a weakened life following the virus. Canine Parvovirus frequently kills dogs, yet many factors influence

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