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The first signs of parvovirus can include sudden tiredness, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, and severe diarrhoea, which may contain blood. Signs can appear around four to 10 days after exposure to the virus. If something doesn’t seem right with your dog, don’t wait and see what happens. Contact your vet as soon as possible. Parvovirus is potentially life-threatening, and early diagnosis and treatment can give your dog the best chance of recovery.
Parvovirus spreads through contact with the faeces of an infected dog. Dogs can also pick it up from contaminated surfaces and objects, or from people’s hands, clothing or shoes. It’s a particularly hardy virus and can survive in the environment for a long time. That means your dog can be exposed to parvovirus without coming into direct contact with an infected dog.
Yes, parvovirus can be treated, but there isn’t a medication that directly cures the virus. Instead, treatment focuses on supporting your dog while their immune system gets to work fighting the infection. Depending on how unwell your dog is, this can mean hospitalisation, fluids, medication, and plenty of close monitoring from the veterinary team. Prompt treatment can make a big difference, so if you suspect your dog has parvovirus, it’s important to contact your vet straight away.