You take your puppy for a walk in the park. He sniffs every blade of grass and rolls on the ground in joy. Little do you know, there’s a hidden danger lurking—the canine parvovirus (a.k.a. parvo). And it could make your playful pup seriously ill. Parvo attacks fast; early treatment is your furbaby’s best chance to survive. Learn all about parvo, its symptoms, and how to keep your fur baby safe and healthy.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious disease that can strike any dog but is especially dangerous for puppies. It attacks your dog's stomach and small intestines. Some strains even affect the heart and bone marrow. It also weakens your dog's immune system, making it harder to fight secondary infections.

Parvo is a very serious condition. Constant vomiting and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate your dog, damage organs, and lead to septic shock. The good news is that most puppies can recover from parvo with early detection and treatment.

While canine parvovirus is the most common and well-known strain, similar viruses can also infect cats (feline panleukopenia virus or FPV) and other animals.

Parvo spreads through contact with an infected dog or any surface contaminated with infected feces. The virus can also linger on objects like toys, food bowls, and even your hands if you've interacted with an infected dog.

The virus can survive for months in the environment, even in harsh weather, and resists common disinfectants. This makes it easy for dogs to pick it up almost anywhere—in parks, streets, or even kennels.

Puppies between six weeks and four months old are most at risk for parvo. They no longer benefit from the natural protection from their mom’s antibodies, and their curious nature drives them to lick or sniff everything. They can be infected just by chewing your shoes after you’ve walked on a contaminated sidewalk.

Some breeds are also more vulnerable to the virus: Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Bull Terrier breeds, and Alaskan sled dogs like Siberian Huskies and Samoyeds.

Parvovirus thrives in the Philippines’ humid weather, so dogs can be exposed at any time. However, parvo cases increase during the rainy season because water can carry the virus to new areas.

To prevent exposure to the virus, don’t let your dog sniff or touch dog feces while walking or playing outdoors. If strays like to leave "surprises” near your home, clean them up and scrub the area with a bleach solution. If this happens often, spray the area with one cup of white vinegar or two cups of apple cider vinegar. Dogs hate the smell!

Learning about canine parvovirus empowers you to protect your puppy. Watch for these early signs of parvo and visit your vet if you have any concerns.

• Changes in energy and appetite: refuses to play or leaves food and water bowls untouched
• Abdominal pain: whimpers or nips if touched around the abdomen
• General discomfort: unusually restless, aggressive, or withdrawn
• Digestion issues: vomiting, bloody stool, diarrhea, and bloating
• Fever: red or glassy eyes, warm ears, runny nose, shivering, excessive panting, and decreased energy

The symptoms of parvo in dogs can mimic other conditions. Visit your vet to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

While there's no cure for parvo, your vet will provide essential support to help your dog's body battle the virus and reduce the risk of serious problems.

Parvo treatment will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Some puppies need hospital care so they can get IV fluid therapy, antibiotics, and tests to monitor their red and white blood cell counts. Severe cases may need blood transfusions or special feeding plans.

Your vet may agree to do parvo treatment at home if your dog has a mild case. Follow these tips to provide proper care.

• Prevent dehydration. Ask your vet about rehydration solutions that can replenish lost fluids and restore electrolyte balance. Don’t give DIY mixtures without confirming the best ratios for your pet.
• Provide nutrition. Sick dogs may not have much of an appetite. Encourage them to eat nourishing, easy-to-digest “treats” like bone broth, boiled and shredded chicken, egg yolks, or wet canned pet food. Offer smaller but more frequent meals until their appetite improves.
• Monitor temperature. A dog's normal body temperature ranges from 38°C to 39°C (101°F to 102.5°F). If your puppy has a fever, cool him down with a wet cloth and give him the medicines the vet prescribes. If his body temperature drops, provide extra blankets or place a heat compress in his bed.
• Prevent contamination. Isolate sick pups from other pets to prevent the disease from spreading.

Once your pet recovers from parvo, disinfect your house to remove traces of the virus. Make a solution consisting of ½ cup bleach for one gallon of water. Mop or wipe the floors and walls, let stand for 10 minutes, and then air-dry.

It will be difficult to decontaminate your garden, but watering the grass frequently can help dilute the concentration of the virus over time.

Since parvo is contagious, vets recommend waiting until your puppies receive their complete parvo vaccinations before taking them out for walks or outings.

Parvo vaccines are administered in three doses, spaced three weeks apart—typically at six, nine, and 12 weeks (about three months) of age. Booster shots are given when your pup is one year old and then repeated every three years.

Do you have more questions about canine parvovirus to know if your dog is at risk? Use the PetPal app to get instant access to a vet. Get a teleconsultation (less stressful for puppies!) or book an appointment at their partner clinics. Then, use GCash for quick and easy cashless transactions. Remember, early recognition of parvo symptoms and prompt veterinary care are vital for your fur baby’s health.