Parvovirus (CPV)

What is Parvovirus (CPV)?

Parvo is a highly contagious virus that causes a gastrointestinal illness which destroys the lining of the small intestine and causes massive dehydration. Parvo can be deadly to puppies if not treated as soon as possible. Dogs of any age can get Parvovirus, but puppies younger than 6 months are more vulnerable to the virus.

What Spreads Parvovirus (CPV)?

Parvovirus leaves an infected dog's body when it poops or vomits where it will continue to replicate.

If a dog gets in physical contact with infected poop, vomit, or an object that came in contact with something that had Parvovirus on it then it too may become infected.

Parvo can live for up to a year in an outside environment. The incubation for Parvo is about 4 days -2 weeks. Dogs with Parvo can spread the virus a few days before showing symptoms.

Symptoms of Parvovirus (CPV)

• Depression

• Anorexia

• Severe diarrhea

• Severe vomiting

• Dehydration

  • Due to severe vomiting and diarrhea

• Sepsis

  • Caused by bacteria passing through weakened intestinal cells entering the bloodstream

  • Sepsis is very deadly by itself. A vet visit should be had before this occurs.

How is Parvovirus (CPV) Diagnosed?

If a young puppy is having some symptoms of Parvo listed above then it's best to take your puppy to the vet immediately. A delay in treatment can result in death. Your vet will most likely test a poop sample from your dog to confirm a Parvo diagnosis along with seeing telltale symptoms.

How can you prevent catching Parvovirus (CPV)?

Talk to your vet. Vaccinate your puppy at their recommended schedule as this is the best protection for the long term. The DHPP vaccine helps protect your dog from Parvovirus.

Try to isolate your puppy from the other dogs until they're fully vaccinated.

Avoid taking your puppy to public places before they are fully vaccinated against Parvo. If you do take your puppy out in public then carry them as much as possible and steer clear of poop on the ground!

Disinfect their space. If an outside guest enters the house be sure to clean up where they were. Not all disinfectant are made equal. We recommend Virkon or Oxine to help with cleaning. DO NOT use Bleach, Pine cleaners, or something containing ammonia. A puppy's skin is so thin that a harsh disinfectant can be absorbed too quickly and may become toxic for them causing other severe issues.

A product like Health Guard will help if you're concerned with washing clothes or towels to disinfect.

What Can You Do?

Find a breeder who vaccinates their corgis for diseases like Parvovirus (CPV) and ask what other vaccinations are being done. You must advocate for your future puppy.

To learn more about Parvovirus (CPV) go to RevivalAnimal.com