04/22/2025
Parvo is P**p! It’s National Parvo Awareness Day!!
Time for a Q&A
What is “parvo”?
Parvo is the short-hand for canine parvovirus. It attacks the lining of the intestines and bone marrow, causing vomiting, decreased appetite, exhaustion, severe diarrhea, and a weakened immune system. This infection can be fatal without treatment, especially in puppies that are 6 weeks to 6 months old.
Holy cow! That sounds terrible! It must be really rare though, right? Or at least hard for dogs to catch?2w
Parvo is actually common in the environment and highly contagious. It is found in huge numbers in infected dogs’ p**p for 10-14 days, and can survive in most kinds of weather for months. Dogs and puppies get it by eating/licking dirt/p**p that contains the virus and get sick 5-12 days later.
This just keeps getting worse! Is it even safe for puppies to touch the ground?
The good news is, there is a vaccine that dramatically reduces your puppy’s chances of getting sick! In fact, if you have taken your puppy to the vet, your vet has likely recommended the vaccine as part of a series. It is often given in combination with vaccines of other life-threatening diseases. This is commonly called the “distemper vaccine” or “DAPP.” It is important to get your puppy vaccinated so that they can safely go outside and experience the world to become happy, healthy adults.
Ok. That’s a relief! But I’ve heard that vaccines aren’t 100% effective. What if my puppy STILL gets sick?
There is even MORE good news! Up until recently, there was no specific treatment for parvo. This meant that parvo puppies were kept in the hospital on IV fluids, and isolated from other animals, in the hopes they were strong enough to fight off the infection. Fortunately, Elanco has developed a game-changing treatment in the form of Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody. A single dose prevents the virus from getting into the cells of the intestines and bone marrow. With an early diagnosis, some puppies can receive the injection and then go home, without a hospital stay!
Care when your pet needs it most. NOW OPEN
