Canine parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal system of dogs and puppies. Its onset is rapid. Dog owners need to understand the symptoms of parvovirus, how to protect their pets, and the critical need for early intervention and prompt treatment.
Parvovirus commonly impacts dogs aged between 6 weeks and 5 months of age, but older unvaccinated dogs have been known to contract the virus.
The typical incubation period for parvovirus is four to six days. Dog owners should look for:
If you notice any of the above changes in your dog or puppy, take them to your nearest veterinary hospital or after-hours vet immediately. Your local veterinarian will perform a test to diagnose the illness.
Dr Anne Chester, RSPCA Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer says, "Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your dog from parvovirus."
The core vaccines for dogs are canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus; these are combined within a single vaccine commonly known in Australia as the C3 vaccine.
"Unfortunately, we are seeing a sharp rise in cases at the RSPCA because many puppies haven’t been vaccinated or dogs are not up to date with their annual boosters. The virus can be fatal, and it's heartbreaking to see dogs suffering when this could have been prevented," says Dr Chester.
Depending on the type of vaccination used, protective immunity is achieved several days to weeks after the final vaccination.
If your dog is not fully vaccinated, limit their travel away from home to prevent them from encountering environments that may unknowingly be contaminated with parvovirus.
Parvovirus is extremely resilient and highly contagious - surviving for months in the environment - withstanding heat, cold and humidity. This makes it easy for dogs to contract it from infected surfaces, faeces, or other unvaccinated dogs.
Yes, but only with early intervention and prompt treatment.
Due to the severity of parvovirus, treatment involves several days of hospitalisation, medication and intravenous fluids to support the dog through the disease. As the virus is quite aggressive, intensive treatment does not always prevent fatalities.
Canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia are similar illnesses but not the same.
Panleukopenia also goes by the name ‘feline parvovirus’ as it is caused by a strain of virus that typically impacts young kittens, often resulting in death.
As these viruses are species-specific, they generally don’t transfer between dogs and cats.
Cats can be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia.
As the Communications & Media Manager for RSPCA Qld, Emma's passionate about making a real difference and believes every animal has a story to share. She has over nine years experience working in animal welfare and is the voice for the RSPCA on digital, print and broadcast channels.
