If you have ever heard, "my puppy died of parvo," then the puppy's owner is talking about the canine parvovirus – a highly contagious virus that can affect dogs of all ages. However, puppies under the age of four months and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk of contracting parvo.

The parvovirus affects a dog's gastrointestinal tract, and is spread very easily through direct contact with an infected dog, and through contact with contaminated stool or environments.

The virus can spread via contaminated dog houses, dog crates, kennel surfaces, collars and leashes, food and water bowls, and even people who have had contact with an infected dog.

Parvovirus is a sort of "super virus" in that it is resistant to heat, cold, humidity and drying. The virus can even survive on an infected surface for a long time. Even a trace amount of contaminated stool at a dog park can infect other dogs that visit the infected park.

Additionally, parvo can be transmitted via shoes, contaminated cages, and from one place to another on the hair and feet of dogs.

Signs of Parvovirus

Are you a dog owner? These are the signs to watch out for:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Severe vomiting
• Severe Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloody stool

With parvo, the sudden, intense onset of vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, which can lead to death within 48 to 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. If your puppy or dog shows any of these warning signs, it's critical that you get them to a veterinarian right away.

Currently, there is no drug that kills the parvovirus; the treatment approach is to combat dehydration by replacing the dog's electrolyte fluid, controlling the vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing a secondary infection.

The best way to prevent parvo is to ensure that your puppies are vaccinated, and that you keep your adult dogs up-to-date on their parvovirus vaccination.