Mention the word parvo, short for parvovirus, in any dog community and hair on the backs of owners necks will rise. Stated frankly, parvo is not treatable without immediate diagnoses and veterinary intervention. It is a virus that is quickly progressive and highly contagious spread through contact with the feces of an infected animal. The virus is strong and in ideal environmental conditions is able to survive on any surface for five months or longer.
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Diarrhea
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While adult dogs may not show severe symptoms as quickly as vulnerable puppies, the predominant symptom is severe, consistent and often bloody, yellow, mucus-like or runny diarrhea. This can be seen in dogs that have not been properly vaccinated against parvovirus. It can also be seen in vaccinated dogs that for whatever reason, typically a compromised immune system, have contracted the disease.
Vomiting
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Dogs with parvovirus infections tend to vomit. At times bouts of vomiting are severe even after the dog has nothing left in its stomach. This coupled with diarrhea when left untreated can lead to deadly dehydration.
Lethargy
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Dogs in end stage parvo are too ill to get up on their own. Dogs with parovirus act sick. Even without taking a rectal temperature, which in parvo dogs will be substantial, or without veterinary blood work showing low white blood cell counts, most owners note their dogs are not feeling well. Coupled with other symptoms, dogs with parvo are lethargic, may not want to eat or drink and and in general act depressed. In some pale mucus membranes, such as gums, fade to pale pink or even white in color. Dogs that are severely ill with parvo may lie down and not move at all.
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