Canine Parvovirus causes loss of appetite, depression, and vomiting followed by profuse bloodstained diarrhoea. Most effected dogs have a high fever and become severely dehydrated. Without treatment many of these dogs will eventually collapse and die.

The virus lasts for more than 12 months in some environments and is resistant to most common disinfectants. Although the virus is very easily contracted through ingestion (by mouth) only 20% or less of dogs which come into contact with Parvovirus become clincially ill. Young dogs between six to twelve months of age are the most susceptable.Clinical signs first appear about five to seven days after exposure.

Diagnosis is made by detecting the virus in the faeces or using antibody testing of blood samples.

Treatment is mainly designed to prevent dehydration and secondary bacterial infection. Intravenous fluids are the basis of treatment and is usually maintained for several days.

Vaccination is a very effective protection against Parvovirus and is carried out at 6-8 weeks, 12 weeks and in some cases at 16 weeks of age. This is followed by annual booster vaccinations.

Bleach and Formaldehyde have mostly been used to disinfect contaminated environments however a range of other new commercial disinfectants which kill Parvovirus are now available