Dog Parvo symptoms
By John Foster

Dog Parvo symptoms are generally suspected whenever puppies are presented with lethargy, vomiting, &/or loose stools especially if there is blood in the stool . Young or puppies aged 6 to 16 weeks  are the most susceptible to this condition.  Puppies under this age are usually protected by antibodies they received in the mother’s milk . Older have usually acquire immunity from vaccination or previous exposure  to the virus and may not show much illness if they do become infected. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and English Springer Spaniels seem to be at  the greatest risk for severe infection, but in general this disease can be found in all species of dogs.


Dog parvo symptoms usually come after being infected as a result of coming in contact with stool or contaminated soil.  Symptoms include lethargy, anorexia, fever, vomiting (with or without diarrhea), bloody watery diarrhea, and blood in the vomitus. Due to the massive fluid losses across the intestine and the lack of intake, rapidly become severely dehydrated, rapidly loose weight, and experience abdominal discomfort.

The severity of the parvo virus induced illness is worse with stress; overcrowding; poor hygiene; other concurrent bacterial, viral or parasitic infections; and when secondary bacterial infections occur.

Puppies usally will die either from insufficient or late treatment, severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, hypoglycemia, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypothermia, and septic shock or overwhelming secondary bacterial infection. 

The cpv or Canine parvo virus is usually detected by vets after stool analysis. 

Puppies suspected of contracting the parvo virus should be taken to the vet immediately where they will be diagnosed and placed on a drip with anti- biotics to combat the virus and to avoid dehydration.

This type of treatment for puppies tends to be very expensive and once again care should rather be taken to avoid the virus than to treat it.

Most treated timeously will recover within 1 to 2 weeks, although different respond  differently to the treatments and it is possible that some will not respond at all resulting in death.

The virus is spread through the faeces and can remain active for a fair period of time. Where it is suspected that the virus has excisted, the area should be dosed with bleach or formalin to kill off any bacteria remaining. The uv effect of sunlight will also kill the bacteria but it is far better to wash the area with bleach as well.

The best protection is vaccination. If you think your dog may have the parvo symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.