The disease is transmitted through contact with the stool of an infected dog or contaminated environment. Puppies are most susceptible to parvovirus infection and fatalities are extremely common. Very often, young puppies die suddenly as a result of heart failure. This sudden death occurs before any gastrointestinal symptoms appear. More often, however, dogs develop a pronounced fever, become extremely depressed, and vomit.
Bloody diarrhea is the most common symptom of parvovirus infection.
Other gastrointestinal diseases may mimic parvovirus, however most are not as severe. Vaccination against parvovirus is the best protection. Like distemper, parvovirus vaccination should begin at 6-8 weeks of age. Repeat vaccinations should be administered every 2-4 weeks until the puppy is 16 weeks old. Recent information regarding parvovirus infection may extend this recommendation to 20 weeks and even longer for certain breeds.