Veterinarians across the country are reporting a significant spike in cases of a highly contagious and potentially deadly viral disease affecting dogs. The illness, identified as canine parvovirus (CPV), has seen a 40% increase in reported cases compared to this time last year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
What Is Canine Parvovirus?
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs, particularly puppies between six weeks and six months old who haven't completed their vaccination series. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
"What's concerning about this current outbreak is we're seeing more severe cases than usual, and the virus appears to be affecting some vaccinated adult dogs," said Dr. Michael Chen, an infectious disease specialist at the National Veterinary School.
Symptoms to Watch For
Dog owners should be alert for these warning signs:
- Severe, often bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Fever or low body temperature
- Abdominal pain
"The key is early intervention," emphasizes Dr. Chen. "If your dog shows any of these symptoms, especially if they're a puppy or you know they're not fully vaccinated, seek veterinary care immediately. This disease can kill within 48-72 hours of onset."
Prevention and Protection
Veterinary experts stress that vaccination remains the best defense against parvovirus. The core vaccine series for puppies typically includes protection against CPV, with boosters recommended every 1-3 years for adult dogs depending on the vaccine type and local disease prevalence.
Additional preventive measures include:
- Avoiding dog parks and public areas with unknown dogs if your puppy isn't fully vaccinated
- Proper disinfection of areas exposed to infected dogs (parvovirus can survive in the environment for months)
- Keeping sick dogs isolated from other pets
- Washing hands thoroughly after handling any dog showing symptoms
Veterinary clinics in several states have reported being at or near capacity due to the outbreak. Some animal shelters have temporarily suspended dog intakes to prevent spread among their populations.
What Owners Should Do Now
Dog owners are advised to:
- Verify your dog's vaccination status with your veterinarian
- Schedule a booster if your dog is due or if you're in a high-risk area
- Be extra cautious with puppies and adolescent dogs
- Have a plan for emergency veterinary care
The AVMA is working with state veterinary associations to track the outbreak and provide updated guidance. They've also established a hotline for veterinarians dealing with unusual cases at 1-800-VET-HELP.