Infectious disease · Updated 2026-09-20
Canine parvovirus
A highly contagious viral disease that causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and immune suppression, especially in puppies.
Signs to watch for
- Profuse or bloody diarrhoea
- Repeated vomiting
- Extreme lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever or low temperature
- Rapid dehydration
Causes and risk factors
Canine parvovirus spreads through infected faeces and contaminated environments. The virus persists for long periods and unvaccinated puppies are at greatest risk.
How veterinarians diagnose it
Veterinarians use clinical findings, faecal antigen or PCR testing, and blood work. Early tests can occasionally be falsely negative.
Treatment and management
There is no home cure. Intensive fluids, anti-nausea treatment, nutrition, infection control and management of secondary complications are commonly required.
Prevention
Complete the veterinarian-recommended vaccine series, avoid high-risk areas before protection develops and use an effective disinfectant after exposure.
Outlook
Survival is substantially better with rapid hospital treatment. Untreated disease can be fatal.