The virus infects local lymph nodes, multiplies and moves to the small intestine in the blood. In addition to parvo attacking the digestive system, it can also attack the heart. Parvo is transmitted by contact with bodily fluid of an infected animal. The virus is very strong and hardy. It can withstand many cleaning agents and fluctuations in temperature.
Parvo can survive in the environment for as long as six months.
It is because of this fact that it can be brought on to the premises on hands, shoes, car tires or anything else. Parvo affects dogs of any age, but is most devastating to puppies less than five months of age. The incubation period for this disease is seven to fourteen days, and the first symptoms are loss of appetite and lethargy. The dog then starts vomiting, followed by bloody diarrhea, high fever, and a drop in the white blood cell count. There is no cure for parvo and the only treatment available is for the symptoms.