Roanoke Valley SPCA warns of parvo cases as dogs spend more time outdoors

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - As the weather warms, more people are taking their dogs outside. Local animal advocates warn a highly contagious virus known as canine parvovirus, or parvo poses a serious health risk.

The Roanoke Valley SPCA recently took in a litter of eight puppies, six of which tested positive for parvo. Puppies with the virus often require intensive hospitalization, IV fluids, medications, and round-the-clock care. Treatment can be emotionally and financially draining, but the illness is preventable through timely vaccination.

Julie Rickmond, marketing and communications director for the SPCA, said, “Parvo is very, very serious... it can be deadly. In fact, it really affects puppies more. They are still growing and developing, so it really attacks those systems.”

Rickmond added some puppies must be hospitalized for several days or even weeks. “We have one puppy that’s been in emergency care now for over a week,” she said.

Parvo attacks a dog’s white blood cells and digestive system. In puppies, the virus can also damage the heart. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and severe diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody.

All dogs are susceptible, though puppies between six and 20 weeks, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs, and certain breeds such as rottweilers, doberman pinschers, bull terriers, german shepherds, and English springer spaniels are at higher risk.

The virus spreads through direct contact with infected dogs, contact with infected feces, or contaminated surfaces including kennels, food and water bowls, collars, leashes, and even the hands and clothing of people handling dogs. It can also spread between domestic dogs and wild canids like coyotes, wolves, and foxes. The virus is highly resilient and can survive in the environment for long periods.

Rickmond said the SPCA is concerned about unvaccinated dogs visiting public spaces. “We are very concerned with these cases that we have seen... that we’re going to see... people going to dog parks with puppies that are unvaccinated or even older dogs that are unvaccinated. It’s very highly contagious and it lives in the environment for a very long time. Even after cleanup and drying, it can live in the environment. It’s just a hardy virus, so we don’t want to see more cases,” she said.

Dog owner Kayla Hall said the risk is real for anyone with a social dog. “It would be really upsetting to bring your dog to someplace so beautiful like the dog park and have them get sick. The illness can be deadly, so definitely something that you have to keep in mind,” Hall said.

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect dogs. The three-shot series costs about sixty dollars, while treatment for infected dogs can range from $3,500 to $6,500 per pet.

Pet owners are also encouraged to speak with their veterinarians about booster shots to maintain protection.