What Is Canine Parvovirus (CPV-2)?
Canine parvovirus type 2 is one of the most resilient and dangerous pathogens dogs can encounter. The virus survives in soil for months or even years, spreading through contaminated faeces, surfaces, clothing and shoes. Unvaccinated puppies aged 6 weeks to 6 months are most at risk.
Symptoms: When to Suspect Parvovirus
- Repeated vomiting, often foamy or bile-yellow.
- Bloody diarrhoea with a distinctive, foul odour.
- Extreme lethargy and collapse.
- Fever (or hypothermia in severe cases) and complete loss of appetite.
- Rapid dehydration: pinch the scruff — if it's slow to snap back, act immediately.
What to Do If You Suspect Parvo
Go to an emergency vet immediately. Call ahead so they can prepare an isolation entrance and protect other patients.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral for CPV-2. Intensive supportive care includes IV fluids to fight dehydration, antiemetics, antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial sepsis, and nutritional support. With early treatment, survival rates exceed 80 %. Without treatment, they drop to around 10 %.
Prevention: Vaccination Is the Only Real Protection
The DHPP combination vaccine (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza) is the most effective tool. Standard puppy schedule:
- First dose: 6-8 weeks of age.
- Second dose: 10-12 weeks.
- Third dose: 14-16 weeks.
- Booster at 1 year, then every 1-3 years per your vet's protocol.
Until your puppy completes the vaccine series, avoid contact with unknown dogs and high-risk public areas such as dog parks and kennels.