My adult dog is sick. Could it be parvo, and can she die from it?

Poor Bella! Parvo is very uncommon in adult dogs, but it's possible that this could be the problem if she was not fully vaccinated as a puppy. It's also possible that she could have some other serious GI illness such as pancreatitis, a systemic illness like liver or kidney disease, or she may have ingested something toxic. If this has been going on for more than 24 hours, or if she is acting weak or lethargic, I would recommend taking Bella to an emergency vet today for an exam - he/she can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help determine the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Ttorri. Parvovirus can infect an adult dog if they are not vaccinated against it or the vaccines were not effective enough to allow protection against the virus. Also, immune system problems in an adult dog or an immunocompromised adult dog could allow an infection like this to take hold. Parvoviruses vary widely in their strength or virulence so it's impossible to know how long an adult dog could survive. Some strains of the virus are very deadly and can cause death very rapidly. Again, so sorry for your loss. I wish you good luck. One last note- Parvo can last in the environment for months so I would be very cautious if getting another dog. You should clean and disinfect what you can in your home to eliminate the virus. Bleach and water is a good disinfectant. Bleach 1 part to Water 30 parts (very dilute) is enough to kill parvo.

Parvo is highly contagious and affected dogs are lethargic, cannot hold food or water, vomit and have bloody diarrhea and eventually die of dehydration and sepsis if not treated. If your dog has had a full course of vaccinations and is older than 2 years then there is little chance that she has been infected as well. You should disinfect the garage and everything your mom's dog came in contact with using a bleach solution or disinfectant and do not let your dog run around in the area where the sick dog was until after it is disinfected. Watch for signs of lethargy, refusal to eat and general illness and if your dog shows these signs take her to a vet right away.

Parvo virus can occur in adult dogs but often is more of a worry in puppies. Rye could have some other infection or a GI foreign body or perforation if he chews or eats bones or other items. Addison's disease, parasites, kidney failure or diabetes mellitus can all cause vomiting. I would recomend getting Rye to vet for physical exam. Depending on exam findings they may recommend tests or may be able to start symptomatic care to help stop the vomitting and get him feeling better. The sooner he is evaluated and treated the easier treatment may be. If he becomes dehydrated or loses too much protein or nutrients from vomiting he may require fluid therapy or more aggressive treatment to recover. I hope Rye feels better soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I’m sorry to hear Pup isn’t feeling well. I would be very concerned about parvovirus since a littermate died and the virus is extremely contagious and can be fatal. I recommend getting Pup to a vet as soon as possible to have her. tested for the virus. If she is positive, I recommend hospitalization with IV fluid therapy and medications because this virus can cause severe dehydration in a puppy that young. If she is negative, I recommend they test her stool for microscopic parasite eggs. Although she may have been dewormed, not all medications treat all parasites and she may have something that needs to be addressed. Good luck and kisses to Pup!

Usually dogs with parvovirus or distemper are very lethargic and ill. If your dog is eating and drinking fine and has lots of energy then I don’t think the diarrhea is from either of those diseases. I do recommend a fecal exam soon, perhaps you can drop one off before your appointment to check for intestinal parasites that could cause diarrhea. Also I would monitor what she’s eating and check to make sure she’s not getting into things she shouldn’t in the yard. She’s a puppy and they love to eat anything! Should she become lethargic, stop eating or the diarrhea worsens then don’t wait, take her in to a veterinarian right away for treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. If your other dogs are adults (over 2 years old) and current on their vaccinations, it is very unlikely that they would get parvo - this is almost always a disease of unvaccinated puppies. But, if you have other puppies or young dogs in the house, especially if they are not current on vaccines, then I would be concerned that they may catch it. The virus lives in the environment for years, so I would recommend cleaning everything that your puppy came into contact with using a diluted bleach solution.