Signs Your Dog May Have Parvo (with Pictures)

An expert guide to diagnosing canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus infection (also called “parvo”) is a highly contagious and fast-acting gastrointestinal disease that has a high mortality rate. [1] Puppies are most susceptible to getting parvo, though unvaccinated adult dogs can catch it, too. If you’re concerned that your dog might have parvo, look for signs of the disease like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stool. Then, immediately take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis. Your vet will run through tests to determine if your dog has parvo and provide a plan for treatment.

Parvo Symptoms in Dogs

  • Nausea and vomiting: Your dog may lose their appetite or struggle to hold down food and water. Look for frequent vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stool.
  • Fever: Check your dog for a fever (higher than 101°F (38.3 °C)).
  • Anemia: Press on your dog’s gums—if they don’t quickly return to their normal color, your dog may be anemic.
  • If you see symptoms of parvo in your dog, take them to a veterinarian immediately and ask your doctor to do an ELISA test and white blood count.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Recognizing the Symptoms of Parvo

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  1. The first sign of a parvo infection is typically lethargy. Your dog may become less active than normal or even seem depressed, eventually retreating to a corner and staying put. [2] You might also notice that they don't have much of an appetite and seem weak. [3]
    • Parvo usually progresses quickly. Lethargy is often quickly followed by vomiting and diarrhea.
  2. Dogs infected with parvo usually develop a high fever. [4] Signs of fever might include warm ears or a warm nose and red eyes. [5] Use a rectal thermometer or an ear thermometer to take your dog's temperature . If it's higher than 101–102.5 °F (38.3–39.2 °C), they have a fever. [6]
    • Any change in temperature can be a sign of parvo. Some dogs might have a lower-than-normal body temperature, instead. [7]
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  3. Parvo attacks the rapidly dividing cells that line the stomach and intestines. This typically causes your dog's stomach to become irritated and ulcerated, which can lead to severe vomiting. [8] [9]
    • Your dog might have trouble holding down food and water, which can quickly lead to severe dehydration and malnourishment. If not treated quickly, this can lead to shock or even death.
  4. Dogs infected with parvo typically have upset stomachs and diarrhea. The diarrhea is often severe and has an unpleasant and distinctly sickly-sweet odor. [10] The stool also frequently contains blood. [11] If you see this, take your dog to the vet right away. [12]
    • Parvo is usually transmitted through contact with an infected dog’s feces. [13]
  5. Parvo causes gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to anemia. [14] To see if your dog might be anemic, press down on their gums. A healthy dog’s gums will quickly return to their normal color after about 2 seconds. If it takes longer, your dog may be anemic. [15]
    • Anemia may also lead to a noticeable paleness of your dog’s gums.
  6. Although parvo can affect older dogs, puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age are most vulnerable. Parvo is especially serious in puppies because their immune system hasn't fully developed yet. In addition, vaccination may not be fully effective until your puppy is between 14 and 16 weeks old because antibodies in their mother's milk can interfere with the vaccine. [16]
    • It can be hard to spot the early signs of parvo in a puppy, which unfortunately means the mortality rate can be high for younger dogs. Pay close attention to any changes in their behavior and take them to the vet if you think anything's amiss. [17]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Diagnosing Parvo

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  1. Unfortunately, parvo is fast-acting—it can be fatal in just 48 to 72 hours after the first symptoms appear. Getting your dog to the vet quickly improves their chances of recovery. [18]
  2. To diagnose parvo, your veterinarian may perform the Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) test. This test checks your dog’s stool for evidence of parvo. It can be done in your veterinarian’s office, and the results typically come back in about 15 minutes. [19]
    • The ELISA test gives rapid results but can result in false positives. Your vet may recommend further testing, like taking a white blood cell count or sending a sample to a lab.
    • On the other hand, more testing to confirm parvo may not be necessary. Parvo causes severe illness which is managed with supportive care rather than a cure. So, it is not always necessary to run diagnostic tests.
  3. Since ELISA tests sometimes come back with false positives, your vet may also check your dog's white blood cell count. Parvo attacks a dog's bone marrow, so a low white blood cell count is usually a good indicator that your dog has parvo—especially in combination with a positive ELISA test. [20]
  4. In a PCR test, your vet sends a fecal sample from your dog to a lab for testing. The results of this can confirm whether your dog has parvo. [21]
    • This takes longer than an ELISA test, but the results are typically more accurate.
  5. Follow your veterinarian’s suggestions for treatment . There is currently no cure for the parvovirus. However, your veterinarian can recommend supportive therapies and practical measures that help increase your dog’s odds of recovery. These might include: [22]
    • Hospitalization
    • Intravenous fluids
    • Blood transfusion
    • Anti-vomiting medication
    • Anti-diarrheals
    • Antibiotics
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can older dogs get parvo?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Yes, but it's pretty rare and unlikely, especially if they've been vaccinated. You almost always see parvo in puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months of age.
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  • Question
    What does parvo poop look like?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    A dog with parvo is going to have severe diarrhea, and it should be immediately obvious that your dog isn't defecating normally. There's also going to be blood in their stool.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I treat my dog at home for parvo?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    You can't. If you suspect your dog has parvo, you need to take them to a vet immediately.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Vaccination is the only way to prevent your puppy from getting parvo. The first shot can be done as early as 5 to 6 weeks of age. It then needs to be repeated every 2 to 3 weeks, for a total of at least 3 shots. [23]
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      • Reduce the risk of parvo by keeping your puppy with vaccinated adults and away from dog parks, kennels, and pet stores as much as possible until they’re vaccinated. [24]
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      • Some dog breeds are more vulnerable to parvo, including Rottweilers, American Pitbull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds. If your dog belongs to one of these groups, be particularly vigilant in watching for parvo. [25]
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      Warnings

      • Do not attempt to treat parvo on your own. Even when dogs receive high-quality veterinary care, the virus can be fatal; trying to treat parvo on your own is much too risky.
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      • If you have multiple dogs, isolate your sick dog immediately and keep your other dogs out of the contaminated area. Parvo can be spread by the infected dog's feces, so you'll need to disinfect the area thoroughly before it's safe for your other animals. [27]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf
      2. ↑ Ray Spragley, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/canine-parvovirus
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-fever-and-temperature/
      6. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/taking-your-pets-temperature
      7. ↑ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus
      8. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf
      9. ↑ Ray Spragley, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      1. ↑ https://www.nasc.cc/pet-university/parvo-for-dogs/
      2. ↑ Ray Spragley, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/about-us/animal-health-articles/canine-parvovirus
      4. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/current-topics-in-infectious-disease/AKC-CHF-Canine-Parvovirus-Fact-Sheet.pdf
      6. ↑ https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anemia-in-dogs
      7. ↑ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus
      8. ↑ Ray Spragley, DVM. Veterinarian. Expert Interview. 19 February 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus
      10. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/canine-parvovirus
      11. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/canine-parvovirus
      12. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/canine-parvovirus
      13. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf
      14. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf
      15. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf
      16. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-stomach-and-intestines-in-small-animals/canine-parvovirus?redirectid=125
      17. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf
      18. ↑ https://www.paloaltohumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PARVO-Facts.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To tell if your dog has Parvo, pay close attention to its behavior and note any lethargy or loss of appetite. You’ll also want to watch for symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and vomiting. When you notice these symptoms, take your dog’s temperature, since Parvo usually causes a high fever between 104 to 106° F. If your dog has a fever, take it to the vet immediately so they can run tests and start treatment as soon as possible. To learn how to test your dog for other symptoms of Parvo, such as anemia, read on.

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