A pair of young puppies wait their turn for a wellness visit during a WCVM remote clinic in La Ronge, Sask. Photo: Brandon White.

April 2023

Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) or “parvo” is a highly contagious virus that attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal tract.

Protect your pups against canine parvovirus

Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) or “parvo” is a highly contagious virus that attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Unvaccinated puppies younger than four months are at high risk for this often-fatal disease. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, a loss of appetite and decreased energy. Continuous bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration in affected dogs.

CPV-2 is also a very resilient virus and can live for a long time on surfaces — including kennels, food bowls, leashes, toys and collars. The best way to prevent canine parvovirus is to have your puppy fully vaccinated and to minimize a puppy’s contact with other dogs until the full series of multiple vaccinations is done.

Click here to read a Q&A about canine parvovirus.