Parvo is so infectious that humans can spread it unknowingly to other dogs if they have recently come into contact with an infected pup, just by touching them. This means an innocent pat on the head could result in a life-threatening condition.
Luckily, parvovirus is only contagious between dogs; humans and other species cannot be contaminated. However, anyone can transmit the virus if they come into contact with an infected pet or areas. Your dog's best line of defense is routine, up-to-date vaccination.
The disease is so infectious that even a human that has unknowingly been in contact with an infected dog can spread the virus to puppies and other dogs just by touching them. Which means that an innocent pat on the head can become the beginning of a life-threatening condition.
The virus can live on contaminated surfaces or clothing for up to 5-6 months.
The virus can survive on clothing, equipment, on human skin, and in the environment. Indirect transmission occurs when a puppy comes into contact with a contaminated person, object, or environment. The parvovirus is a particularly resilient virus.
The parvovirus is not airborne, but nearly all surfaces can carry it, including human skin. After an individual has been exposed to the disease, an infestation can occur on the ground, on surfaces in kennels, on their hands, and on their clothing. A dog can also carry contaminated fecal material on its fur or paws.
Bathing will reduce the virus contaminants on your sick dog's fur, however, your dog will still be contagious for several weeks after recovering from parvo. Your dog should be quarantined and kept away from other dogs and her feces removed so other dogs are not exposed and the virus does not spread.
Puppies are at the greatest risk for parvo between the ages of 6 weeks to 6 months. Puppies can receive their parvo vaccinations at 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age. They must receive a full series of vaccinations to ensure complete immunity. Puppies require a parvo booster vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age.
Parvovirus can survive on clothing, toys, human skin, and in the environment. Therefore, indirect transmission can occur when a puppy comes in contact with a contaminated person or object. As previously mentioned, parvovirus can survive indoors at room temperature for a couple of months.
The best household cleaner to use to kill parvovirus is bleach (1 part bleach to 30 parts water). It should be used on hard surfaces including tiles, concrete, paving bottoms of shoes etc – leave the bleach on the surface at least 10-15 minutes. Anything that can be washed in bleach should be.
Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts and is spread by direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces (stool), environments, or people.
It can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog's feces. Puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs who are not vaccinated are at risk of contracting the virus.
Because parvovirus is very contagious and hardy in its environment, proper disinfection is crucial. Dogs with parvovirus should be isolated during their treatment, and for up to 2 weeks after recovery.
Parvo is easily transmitted from place-to-place by contaminated shoes or other objects. Even trace amounts of feces from an infected dog may harbor the virus and infect other dogs that come into the environment.
This virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. Your puppy is exposed to the parvovirus every time he sniffs, licks, or consumes infected feces.
In regards to your first question, parvovirus is pretty hardy virus, as I am sure you are aware. There are some studies stating that it can be inactivated readily at boiling temperatures (212 degrees F); unfortunately this isn't an option in conventional washing machines.
Lethargy. A common sign of parvo in puppies and older dogs is lethargy. Your puppy will lose interest in all play and will appear nearly lifeless when approached. When you pick your puppy up, they will lie back down or refuse to stand.
Begin with using straight hot water and steam clean the entire carpet. This will lift the stain off the surface. After you have completed the first surface washing, focus next on removing the stains. Use either a commercial pet stain remover or you can use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Parvo virus causes severe life threatening diarrhea, often the diarrhea has blood in it. Once a puppy has symptoms of parvo, if left untreated they can die within 48 - 72 hours. It can be simply diagnosed and survival is possible if treated soon enough. If left untreated the mortality rate is as high as 91%.
The first sign of parvo for puppies is often lethargy, lack of appetite, and a fever. Canines will begin to suffer from vomiting and diarrhea as the virus progresses, and can experience dehydration and a high heart rate as a result.
Parvo poop smells metallic because of the high-blood content in the feces. As the disease progresses, the puppy's intestinal lining rips away, causing a sickly-sweet, rotting smell. Parvovirus wreaks havoc on a pup's stomach and intestines, which is why poop has that bloody, rotting, metallic parvo smell.
Symptoms of Parvo
Your dog will not drink water nor eat, and very soon the pup will be stretched out and down on the ground, unable to get back up. They will become limp, weak, and unable to hold themselves up. Parvovirus, when left untreated, is often fatal. It requires veterinary oversight.
There is evidence suggesting that CPV loses some of its ability to infect an animal after one month in an indoor environment. Outside, you cannot (and should not) bleach your lawn, but rain or watering can dilute the concentration of the virus over time.
A University of Sydney study has found that canine parvovirus (CPV), a highly contagious and deadly disease that tragically kills puppies, is more prevalent than previously thought with 20,000 cases found in Australia each year, and nearly half of these cases result in death.