If My Dog Has Parvo Can He Get It Again

Adrienne is a certified dog trainer and former veterinary assistant who partners with some of the best veterinarians worldwide.

What you should know about parvovirus

Nick_H from Pixabay via Canva.com

An Introduction to Dog Parvovirus

If you own a puppy who has or has had parvo, you may be concerned nearly eliminating the infective virus from your pet's environs. Your concerns are very reasonable since parvo is deadly to vulnerable pups, and it survives quite a long time in your habitation and in your m. First, let'due south take a closer look at this virus and how it infects dogs so we can better empathize the dynamics and accept better precautionary methods. Remember you know a whole lot nearly domestic dog parvo? Attempt to test yourself through the trivia quiz at the bottom of this article.

Parvo derives from the Latin give-and-take "parvus," which means small. Measuring in at merely 20 to 26 nanometers in diameter, this is i of the smallest viruses on earth. It's likely because of this virus' small dimensions that it was recently discovered in 1967 and labeled every bit CPV-1. Eleven years later, in the United States, another strain emerged and was chosen CPV-2.

The virus was considered a mutation of feline panleukopenia, which is also a parvovirus. This virus mostly affected canines—that included wolves, coyotes, and foxes and attacked the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. Later on, CPV-2a was identified in 1979, then CPV-2b, and finally CPV-2c, which and then far has been identified in at least 15 states and appears to be the most prevalent form.

While information technology'due south agonizing that there are so many different strains, the good news is that regardless of the strain, vaccination protocols remain fairly the same and so does treatment. And the time frame that parvovirus survives in the surroundings, such as in your abode and yard, remains pretty much the same across the strains.

What Makes a Puppy Vulnerable to Parvo?

Are you planning to get a new puppy, and you're worried well-nigh parvo in the surround because a sick puppy lived there before? Learning how puppies are vulnerable to parvo and how to minimize the chances for exposure is important.

Method of Exposure

In social club to get infected, the puppy must be exposed to the viral particles found in carrion, infected soil and anything that tin can carry the virus effectually, such as shoes, car tires, the dog's paws, etc. The virus is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. This doesn't hateful your puppy necessarily has to eat the carrion of an infected canis familiaris; your puppy tin can get parvo by simply licking his paws after walking on contaminated soil or the sole of your shoes (fomites).

He can also become it from eating food off the ground and consider that fifty-fifty insects or rodents may transport the virus from place to place. Puppies diagnosed with parvo should exist isolated for at least 3 weeks before frequenting areas populated by dogs, suggests veterinarian Lila Miller. Best to consult with your vet to determine when information technology'due south a skilful fourth dimension to reintroduce your puppy.

Predisposition

Puppies are the most predisposed to this virus, and while developed dogs may get parvo too, 80 percent of them do not testify any symptoms. Puppies betwixt the age of age six weeks to six months appear to exist the nearly affected. For unknown reasons, sure black and tan breeds appear to be more predisposed to this virus such equally Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Dobermans, but so are pit bulls, Alaskan Sled Dogs, English language Springer Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers.

Whether a pup gets infected or not may also depend on the virulence of the virus, the amount of viral particles the puppy is exposed to, his overall level of immunity (stress, poor nutrition, the presence of other infections are predisposing factors).

Preventive Steps

Vaccinations

Puppies should be vaccinated when still in the breeder'southward hands effectually 6 to eight weeks of age when the immunity derived from mother dogs starts to wear off (passive immunity). Once the puppy goes to his new home, it's crucial that the new owner takes over and continues vaccinating the puppy every three–4 weeks until the whole series is completed. Generally, after the breeder gives the initial shot, puppies are given boosters at x–12, and 14–16 weeks. Consider that protection doesn't take effect immediately; information technology takes about 10 to 14 days mail-vaccination for acceptable protection to develop.

In some areas, or if you accept a predisposed brood, your vet may suggest an additional booster around 20 weeks. Nevertheless, the puppy is non rubber until they take completed the whole vaccination series. Condom though isn't the best term to employ in vaccinated dogs who take completed the series. Veterinarian and immunology proficient Jean Dodds points out:

"No vaccine produces 100 percent protection 100 pct of the time. It certainly improves the odds that an creature volition be protected from illness, but information technology does not guarantee this."

Deworming and Fecal Tests

As mentioned, puppies that have a compromised allowed system and are fighting other conditions are more susceptible to parvo. Veterinary Lila Miller points out how puppies with roundworms or protozoans such equally coccidia are more than susceptible to parvo. Feeding a good diet and limiting stress is helpful as well.

Limiting Exposure

It's important that puppy owners preclude their puppy from frequenting high risks areas such as parks, pet stores and areas frequented by stray dogs. This at least until the puppy has completed the whole series of boosters and the vet approves it's safe to do and so.

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Can a Puppy Who Had Parvo Get Information technology Again? What the Vets Say

If you take a puppy who survived parvo, you may exist wondering if puppies can become parvo twice. Let's run across what the vets accept to say virtually this.

Veterinary Dr. Marie Haynes claims, "In my experience it'southward quite rare for an animal to get parvo twice in their lifetime. They will have adult some antibodies against the disease which will protect them for some fourth dimension."
Veterinarian Ron Hines claims, "A canis familiaris that has recovered from a confirmed parvovirus infection is immune for the rest of its life."
According to Timpanogos Animal Hospital, "Recovered parvo patients develop a very stiff immunity to parvo and are extremely unlikely to ever develop parvo again. However, it is critical that your pet is vaccinated confronting other infectious diseases. Vaccinations are usually given 1–2 weeks later recovery and continued at appropriate intervals as directed past your veterinarian."
Veterinarian Eric Barchas claims that there's no 100 per centum guarantee, but "most dogs that live through parvo develop permanent amnesty."
According to Wendy C. Brooks, "A puppy that has recovered from a parvovirus infection can be expected to have strong immunity. This has been tested out to 20 months later on infection and immunity is believed to be lifelong; because this is unproven, continued vaccination is normally recommended."

Eliminating Parvovirus From the Home and Yard

A Shedding Motorcar

An infected puppy sheds parvovirus particles in his carrion, even before showing clinical signs, about four to five days after exposure. The puppy will shed virus particles in enormous amounts for iii weeks, but it'due south possible even up to 6 weeks. If you're wondering what enormous amounts means, consider this: Co-ordinate to Mar Vista Vet Animals Hospital, an infected puppy is capable of shedding virtually 35 1000000 viral particles in just an ounce of stool! And all information technology takes for an unvaccinated puppy to become infected is just 1000 viral particles. Don't think that subsequently this 3 to six week shedding fourth dimension, other puppies and dogs are safe! One time shed, the virus can survive for a long time in the environment.

Cold/Hot Weather Survivor

Sadly, the parvovirus is extremely hardy and difficult to eradicate. It's capable of surviving hot or cold temperatures. The virus tends to thrive the most though in moist, cool and shady areas. And don't expect this virus to dice from freezing temperatures; cold temperatures won't kill parvo, explains veterinary Janet Tobiassen Crosby. The virus is actually capable of overwintering in freezing temperatures. At the aforementioned fourth dimension, don't feel safe if you alive in a hot climate; this virus can live well as well, especially in the shade.

Prevalence

The parvovirus is frequently described as being "ubiquitous." This term means omnipresent, basically existence establish everywhere. Veterinarian Wendy Brooks points out, "This means that NO Environs is free from this virus unless it'southward regularly disinfected." And then if y'all are disinfecting your home and yard, don't forget to also disinfect the garage and entryways!

A Hardy Virus

Not simply does the virus survive in adverse climate weather, it'south likewise quite long living. According to Utah Veterinarian Clinics, parvo tin live in the surround for six months to ane twelvemonth. The fourth dimension frame seems to depend on several factors. According to Wendy Brooks, when no decontamination steps are taken in shaded areas, the virus is expected to live for about 7 months; whereas, in areas with full sunday exposure, it shouldn't alive more than 5 months.

Yet, it'due south better to be safety than lamentable, and consider that co-ordinate to the American Veterinarian Medical Association, parvo tin can live in the surround for 1 twelvemonth or more than. The adept news, though, is that indoors, the virus has a shorter lifespan. According to the Merck Veterinarian Manual, at room temperature and indoors, the virus may be infectious for at least 2 months.

Resistant to Products

Don't only presume you can impale this virus using whatever household disinfectant product you accept on manus. Parvovirus requires a specific batter in lodge to be subdued. The hush-hush production is bleach, one part bleach to 30 parts of water to be exact. In order to be effective, information technology should be allowed to soak in at least 10 minutes, according to Mar Vista Vet. Go along in mind that the bleach tends to remove colors from surfaces like carpets, rugs, blankets and upholstery.

Impossible to Completely Remove

The scariest fact about parvovirus is that despite your cleaning efforts, the complete devastation of parvo from an outdoor environment is close to impossible. Yes, you lot can dilute the viral particles by hosing downward the backyard if yous have drainage, or you can use a spray hose delivering disinfectants, but most likely, you'll just be reducing the number of particles around, hopefully to the extent of reducing their numbers to an acceptable level, but no guarantees can be made.

The Best Option?

Parvo is a devastating disease with low survival rates. Information technology makes puppies miserable, and the costs of hospitalization tin easily amount to thousands of dollars. Disinfecting indoors, even though it can be constructive, it may be impractical since bleaching may mean ruining carpets, rugs and upholstery.

The bottom line? It'due south ultimately much more simple to wait to get another puppy or do what the Merck Veterinary Manual suggests: getting one that has already completed the entire vaccination serial or, even improve, getting a vaccinated developed after having disinfected the environs. Doing a titer test to encounter if there's a presence of sufficient parvo antibody is important. This is the all-time option to preclude future heartaches as the risks at are stake are ultimately too high to have risks.

Dog Parvovirus Trivia

For each question, choose the best reply. The answer key is below.

Why practice young puppies demand multiple vaccines?
- Because the milk puppies ingest is rich in antibodies which interferes and makes vaccines temporarily ineffective
- For convenience since puppies may need to be dewormed several times too
- Because vets make more money this mode.
What are fomites?
- A type of pest that infests woods.
- Objects that can behave a pathogen
- Unsafe viuses that infest foam
What breeds are more than probable to get parvo?
- Shelties
- Rottweilers and Doberman
- Dachshunds
What product would yous use to disinfect contaminated areas?
- Diluted bleach
- Quaternium
- Chlorhexidine

Answer Key

Because the milk puppies ingest is rich in antibodies which interferes and makes vaccines temporarily ineffective
Objects that tin carry a pathogen
Rottweilers and Doberman
Diluted bleach

Interpreting Your Score

If you got betwixt 0 and 1 correct respond: Be careful, you need to learn some more than!

If you got 2 correct answers: Yous're getting there!

If you lot got iii right answers: You did a fairly good job overall.

If you got 4 correct answers: Wow, y'all actually know your stuff, good chore!

For Further Reading

What Causes Diarrhea in Dogs When Boarding?
Picking up your dog subsequently existence boarded is a happy event, just dealing with diarrhea is non. What causes diarrhea when dogs are boarded? Learn some possibilities.
16 Causes of Blood in Dog Stool
Seeing blood in your canis familiaris'due south stool tin be scary. If your dog is pooping blood, it's important to learn how to recognize the difference between fresh claret and digested claret in your dog'due south stool.
Dog Stool Information: What Practise Normal Dog Stools Look Like?
Why does a canis familiaris'south stool start firm and then plow soft? What's the normal color? Why is there fungus in the dog'south stool? This guide will provide answers to some of these common questions.

This commodity is authentic and true to the all-time of the writer's knowledge. It is non meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinary immediately.

Questions & Answers

Question: How can you lot remove parvo from your backyard?

Answer: Removing parvo completely from the one thousand can be challenging for obvious reasons. Several vets say it is shut to impossible, unfortunately. You lot tin reduce numbers by removing any feces and using a diluted bleach solution (i part bleach to xxx parts of water) to clean hard surfaces. Dirt and grass tin be sprayed with the diluted bleach solution, nevertheless, it's important to sympathise that bleach will kill grass and that parvo may still be present in the 1000. Shoes should be disinfected too after walking in the yard.

Question: How practice I know if my dog has parvo?

Reply: Parvo in dogs tin can exist quickly diagnosed (in just under viii minutes) by having the vet perform a SNAP Parvo Exam in the vet's office.

Question: What is a titer test?

Answer: When information technology comes to parvo vaccination, a titer test such every bit the 1 provided by Vaccicheck can assist determine a dog's antibody level to Parvovirus (CPV) along with distemper and hepatitis. A titer test may, therefore, exist helpful in determining a dog's vaccination status, and prevent problems associated with over/nether vaccination.

Question: Can my canis familiaris get distemper if he had suffered from parvovirus before?

Answer: Yeah, as these are two dissimilar conditions. However, if your dog is current on his core vaccinations, distemper is less likely.

Question: Can an adult domestic dog exist brought into a home that had a puppy with parvo?

Answer: Adult dogs are less likely to contract parvo, however information technology is not unheard of for them to become information technology too. This tin can likely happen in dogs who oasis't been immunized (lack of acquired immunity) or who have a weak or compromised immune organisation. A domestic dog of any age can become parvo, but it's non equally common in puppies for the fact that most adult dogs were given a series of shots confronting parvo as puppies and and so booster shots throughout their developed years. If the developed canis familiaris is electric current on his parvo vaccination, the chances for contracting parvo should exist quite slim, but it's always best to check with a vet on this particularly if you exercise non have medical records for this developed dog.

Question: How do I know if my roommate'southward dog has parvo?

Answer: A dog with parvo will typically show signs of affliction such as vomiting, foul-smelling diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. However, these signs may be seen in many other disorders so they aren't pathognomonic for parvo in particular. The but certain way to know if a puppy has parvo is by visiting the vet and having the vet run an ELISA (or the Parvo Snap test) past using a fecal sample and on top of that doing a blood test. A positive Elisa exam accompanied by a complete ruby-red claret count showing leukopenia (low white claret cells) and neutropenia (low neutrophils), is likely diagnostic for parvo.

Question: How quickly does a dog show signs after existence exposed to Parvo?

Answer: The incubation period for parvo (the time it takes for a dog to show symptoms subsequently exposure) is by and large anywhere between 3 and 14 days. Exposure may be straight (from existence around another dog with parvo) or indirectly through exposure to infected soil and fomites. Fomites are contaminated things capable of causing diseases such as shoes, tires, brooms, mops, etc.

Dyson on August 27, 2020:

I had a puppythat died from parvo what is the likelyness that my other canis familiaris will go information technology. He is fully vaccinated.

Leticia Muñoz sepulveda on Nov 22, 2019:

When is too belatedly for my domestic dog after get parvo?

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on Oct 26, 2019:

Mary Foy, and so sorry for the loss of your puppy. This disease is devastating. Information technology sounds very scary what your vet has reported.

Denise on October 20, 2019:

Our puppy at 12 weeks Parvo and then scary I did not know anything virtually Parvo other than it was not practiced My coworker friend had a Parvo older dog & she put half water half dawn into barrel for simply 1st day a coupl times thru out day while putting dawn bleach w/water in information technology and kills Parvo I tried this hospitalized 1st day so coming home another day just a of boring death of non eating drinking by the 3r day I try the dawn & boiled chicken he got up like zilch ever happed He is healthy happy running playing I've saturated our property w/bleach dawn water & go this keeps all other bugs abroad too water bugs especially Allow anybody know ❤️Thank you the commodity

Mary Foy Ragsdale on October twenty, 2019:

Both of our 6-month-old black Lab puppies contracted Parvo recently. We took them to North Carolina State University Veterinary Hospital. Ane puppy survived; one did not. Iv days from his exhibition of symptoms and having been in ICU, he was gone. An autopsy was washed, and the senior vet professor said he had never seen a worse example. The insides of our canis familiaris that did not survive were in a word, decimated. He did not have a run a risk at all, fifty-fifty with every treatment, procedure and medication possible having been tried. That'south how fast this virus can destroy an animal.

Gregoryona Holmes on September 22, 2019:

Can I bring my puppy back into the home that parvo was in

Janice Robinson on June 10, 2018:

How long after bleaching my chiliad for parvo can my dogs go out been doing it for a week

Pilar on May 12, 2018:

I had a domestic dog with parvo previously similar 2 weeks I become. I got a new puppy do you think information technology will get it?

Adrienne L on March 01, 2018:

I have a about ii twelvemonth (June 1 ) pit bill female that develop parvo final summertime. With your help I was able to save her but not her younger sister from a different litter but same parents. Just now my husband wants to breed her when she comes in heat. I said "hell no!" I'm scared she will pass the virus to them. What should I do?

Adrienne Farricelli (writer) on January 25, 2018:

Nic. wouldn't it be double devastating getting another puppy and losing it too to this devastating affliction?

ashley062999@yahoo.com on November 08, 2017:

If a parvo surviver comes in conact with a puppy or the puppy comes in coneact with a carrier's feces will the puppy go parvo? The carrier's had parvo in parvo before was in 2013 and 2009.

Kievitshannon321 @gmail.com on May xiii, 2017:

Tin humans get Provo?

Dawn McGregor on May 05, 2017:

Why do my puppies dice of Parvo Virus only weeks afterward having their commencement vaccination? This makes me call back that the vaccine really gives them the virus and they don't develop immunity.

B Y on April 03, 2017:

My nine calendar week old English language bulldog has parvo, he is home after spending a night at an ER clinic, he is weak and we are giving him antibiotics and lots of fluids. My question is, is he safe by going outside to pee and poop? He wont' go within the business firm...we have two adult German shepherds and a smaller adult dog but they all are vaccinated and we make clean and disinfect the g with bleach. Besides should I throw away my rungs from my house? we sprayed bleach but non sure that information technology is enough... Thanks!

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on Apr 02, 2017:

Your GSD puppy actually needs to see the vet. If he will exist able to survive depends on what is causing the problems you are seeing, which only your vet can determine and requite you lot a prognosis. Don't wait, pups get dehydrated apace and sluggishness is never a good sign in a pup so immature!

LAKSHAY SINGH BHATI on April 02, 2017:

I HV a gsd..Nosotros got him when he was 45 days old..On d 46th day he started loose motion..But no blood..We got him dewormed..But d next solar day he had repeated vomitings...At present today is his iv-fifth 24-hour interval of treatment...He had blood in his stool till last dark but now it is more. Of similar brownish watery..Though it is non fully brown or xanthous...He hasn't vomited since terminal ii days...I am worried..His stomach has shrunk a lot..He is drinking water now only refuses to eat...Will he be able to survive?....Also he is able to move simply not fully agile..Plz assistance me..

grant on November ten, 2016:

my dog is hospitalized correct at present with parvo, I'one thousand hoping for a quick and successful recovery. i do have to say its very expensive to treat but I'm doing what i tin can for my boy

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on October 10, 2016:

Co-ordinate to the American Veterinarian Medical Association "parvo tin survive in the environment for long periods of time, greater than or equal to one year in soil," therefore, 2 years should be OK, But, parvo tin can exist caught in so many other ways, think fomites like tires, shoes etc. that there is never a guarantee a puppy will not get it. All one can do is to practice neat caution and brand sure the breeder started vaccinations and to continue those booster shots paying close attention not to frequent areas that are at risk.

Nicole on Oct x, 2016:

I fostered puppy's two years ago and both pups had Parvo. I haven't fostered since because I was afraid of some other puppy being contaminated by the virus. Do you that it would be prophylactic to begin fostering again where we can bring in a 8 week sometime puppy into our house?

Kathleen Kirsan on April 21, 2016:

Wonderful, informative article...thank you for the careful research and for sharing it

Adrienne Farricelli (writer) on September thirty, 2015:

That must take been so devastating Brakel2. Let's hope one day a better cure is found for this terrible disease and that easier methods are institute to kill this hardy virus.

Audrey Selig from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on September 30, 2015:

Hi Alex - When my kids were little, we had a Gilt Retriever puppy that died of Parvo. Information technology was the first domestic dog I e'er had, and my kids and residue of family were heartbroken. This article is filled with proficient data about the virus, and your writing skills rise and shine. I remember scrubbing the cement with bleach and water on my hands and knees, even though nosotros had no other dogs. Someone told me to scrub. Cheers for sharing this hub. Pinning, Blessings, Audrey

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on July 02, 2015:

Happy to hear nearly such a happy outcome and that your dog got to live 9 years after parvo! No carpet is a big plus!

stella vadakin from 3460NW l St Bong, Fl32619 on July 02, 2015:

I got a pup that had parvo and uses the bleach handling to clean down the firm. I was lucky because it was a new business firm and we had no carpet to worry well-nigh. The pup did survive, and lived a wonderful life of nine years. A actually useful hub. Stella

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 13, 2015:

Yep, the parvo vaccine is 1 of those "core vaccines" that are highly recommended by vets. Giving the puppy shots is a no-brainer, because it's and then deadly. Yes, definitively, unvaccinated pups shouldn't go to the domestic dog park at to the lowest degree until they take completed the series and the vet gives the green low-cal.

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on May 13, 2015:

Thank heavens at that place are vaccinations to help prevent parvo from developing since it is just almost everywhere from what you but wrote. People taking dogs to canis familiaris parks might have 2d thoughts after reading this. Will share this hub and pin to my dogs board.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 02, 2015:

I am happy to hear your pup made it and is at present is 13! Those survival rates for parvo are quite scary! Give thanks yous for the votes upwards. All-time regards,

Adrienne

Diana 50 Pierce from Potter County, Pa. on May 02, 2015:

I had a five month old Jack Russell mix puppy go Parvo. At the time I had no thought how important it was to get those puppy shots. Information technology was a difficult lesson learned. Cheers to our local animal hospital, my dog simply turned 13 in April. Your enquiry uncovered stuff I was totally unaware of. I really idea cold zip conditions would kill any diseases contained in our yards. This is good information. Voted up.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on May 01, 2015:

Cheers Alicia C!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on May 01, 2015:

This is very useful and important data for both canis familiaris owners and prospective dog owners. Cheers for sharing it!

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on May 01, 2015:

Oh wow! Large dog for sure!

Adrienne Farricelli (writer) on April thirty, 2015:

Oh yes, it was when he was a puppy, he's at present 85 pounds and full of vigor!

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on April 30, 2015:

I hope you're correct, Alexa. My pleasure. Poor puppy! I hope your domestic dog is doing well.

Adrienne Farricelli (author) on April thirty, 2015:

Cheers Kristen, I hope it turns out helpful. When my Rottie was a puppy, the vet suspected he had parvo and information technology was one of the nearly scary things e'er!

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on Apr 30, 2015:

This was a well-researched and well-written hub, Alexa, on the parvo virus. This was super useful for new puppy owners and what to look out for. Voted upwards for useful!

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Source: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/How-Long-Does-Dog-Parvo-Last-in-Your-Home-or-Yard