How do puppies get parvo and what are the symptoms to watch for?

The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. Most cases involve puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. Mainly, parvovirus is spread either by direct contact with an infected dog, or indirectly, by the fecal-oral route. Introducing unvaccinated young puppies with their weak immunity to other dogs or taking them out where other dogs can freely roam before they are fully vaccinated is the most common way that puppies get infected. Hope that helped.

Yes, parvo lives in the environment for a very long time. The is not the most common way puppies contract it but is a possibility through people and animals spreading the virus. If there is an area that is contaminated, and the sheltie walks through it, it is then on the shelties feet. If you puppy licks or contact something contaminated, then he will be at risk. The best thing to do is keep the sheltie to a limited area in your yard to minimize his risk of touching it, then wiping his feet when he comes in.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Prince. Symptoms of parvo include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, a characteristic terrible smell to the diarrhea, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and rapid weight loss. If you think he has parvo, you need to take him into a vet immediately. Parvo is very deadly. Best of luck.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I understand your concern. However, the likelihood of Luna developing parvovirus just from being walked in a heavily trafficked area is low unless she directly had contact with feces from an infected dog. I would not be too concerned at this time. Just work with your primary care veterinarian in starting her on a vaccination protocol and avoid contact with other dogs with an unknown vaccination status until she is fully vaccinated. I will tell you what to look for in terms of parvovirus symptoms though again it is unlikely that she has parvovirus. Symptoms usually include lethargy, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian to get her set up to start a vaccination program soon. I think she will be fine. Nothing like getting a new pup! I bet she is adorable! Good luck!

Dirt is not necessarily a problem unless it was potentially contaminated by a dog with Parvo. The best thing to do is avoid taking Jimmy to areas like dog parks, or kennels, or other areas where many dogs have been before. If the dirt is just in your yard, or other area that is not frequented by dogs, or known to have a parvo positive dog on the property, then the chances of Jimmy contracting Parvo are slim. I hope that helps and all is well with Jimmy.

Puppies can be born with parvo if their mother has parvo or was never vaccinated against the disease. Parvo can be passed to a puppy through the placenta of an infected mother. Unfortunately, the prognosis is not good when puppies are born with parvo. Should any of the puppies not suckle , have bloody diarrhea, and/or vomit and/or be lethargic, they need to be seen by your veterinarian right away.

I hate to hear that Moonlight might have parvo as that is very serious. Parvo is caused by a virus and not caused by any type of food. The virus can live in the soil for up to a year after it is passed in the feces of an infected dog. I recommend to have Moonlight seen asap by a veterinarian to start treatment. I hope you found this helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.