The infection commonly affects dogs and it can claim lives within days
Kieran Isgin Money & Lifestyle writer and Andrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer
12:45, 01 Jan 2026Updated 18:22, 01 Jan 2026
Parvovirus can lead to a serious and often fatal infection(Image: Getty Images)
A common but potentially deadly disease in dogs could be easily missed if you’re not on the lookout for certain signs. Often referred to as ‘parvo’, parvovirus is a viral infection that can wreak havoc on a dog’s intestinal lining.
Dogs usually pick it up while they’re outside, catching it from the faeces of other animals, with gardens, fields, and parks being hotspots. What makes parvovirus particularly menacing and easy to spread is that it can be shed from faeces and linger in the environment for months or even years.
This means your dog can easily come into contact with the virus, and it’s generally advised to have them vaccinated to help protect them from severe infection. It’s vital to remember that a parvovirus infection can sometimes prove fatal, so being aware of the associated symptoms is crucial to keeping your dog safe and well, according to the Daily Record.
Common symptoms of parvovirus
The symptoms of parvovirus can be different from one dog to another and typically show up within three to seven days of infection. Symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Extreme diarrhoea that may contain blood
- Very high or low temperature
- Reduced appetite
- Signs of abdominal pain
- Pale gums
When to see a vet
If your dog has been vaccinated, their risk of dying from a parvovirus infection is significantly reduced. However, if you have a puppy or an unvaccinated dog, they are at an extremely high risk of serious complications from an infection.
Advice from Blue Cross claims that puppies, especially those between six weeks and six months old, can quickly become severely weak due to a parvovirus infection. If your dog isn’t vaccinated and shows any signs of a parvovirus infection, it’s essential to contact your vet immediately.
This is because early intervention is the most effective way to beat parvovirus and could mean the difference between life and death for your beloved pet. Bear in mind that even immunised dogs can catch parvovirus and may display symptoms.
If they do, and you’re concerned, you should contact your vet. It is thought that most fatalities from parvovirus happen within 48 to 72 hours following the appearance of symptoms.
When seeking veterinary help for parvovirus treatment, your vet might decide to admit your dog to the hospital and keep an eye on their condition for up to a week. Treatment could also involve administering fluids through an intravenous drip to fight off dehydration, as well as anti-sickness medication.