Parvo virus is an intestinal disease that can attack any dog, regardless of breed, but puppies are much more vulnerable to the disease because their intestines are not yet fully developed. Parvo multiplies in the intestinal tract, where it destroys cells, causing many ailments and sometimes sudden death.
The biggest danger of parvo virus is dehydration and malnutrition, so symptoms of the disease should be looked for on a consistent basis, until your pitbull puppy has had all of his vaccinations and therefore is less vulnerable. If symptoms are present, take your puppy to a veterinarian immediately.
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Diarrhea
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Continuous diarrhea that is bloody or smells foul is the most common--and also one of the last signs--that a dog has contracted parvo virus. Sometimes, the diarrhea can be a deep, dark brown and accompanied by a heavy, unpleasant smell indicating infection. The diarrhea is a result of the severe dehydration and malnutrition caused by the disease, as well as a breakdown of the intestinal lining.
Lack of Appetite and Vomiting
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A pitbull puppy that has a lack of appetite and also is vomiting shows definite signs of the parvo virus disease. This also is an indicator that he is in serious danger of becoming dehydrated.
Lethargy
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Dogs that contract parvo tend to become lethargic and even depressed, doing nothing but lie around. This is due to the fact that parvo virus restricts the intake of nutrients and liquids, making it impossible for them to get the energy needed to move around and live normally.
Fever and Pain
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Showing obvious discomfort and pain can be due to a number of reasons, but when accompanied with one or more of the other symptoms listed here, it would further verify suspicions of the dog having contracted parvo virus, and would indicate the need to get help right away.
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