Parvo Cases on the Rise: What Dog Owners Need to Know About This Preventable Disease
At the Peterborough Humane Society, we are committed to the health and wellbeing of every animal in our care and in our community. That includes helping pet owners stay informed about serious risks, especially the ones we can help prevent. Right now, we are seeing an increase in parvovirus cases in the Peterborough area and want to help pet families stay safe.
Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a dangerous and highly contagious illness. While we have not had an outbreak in our shelter, we have seen more cases in the community this year than last. With parvo outbreaks being reported across Ontario, it is important for all dog owners to understand the risks and take action.
What Is Parvo and Why Is It So Serious?
Parvo is a fast-moving virus that attacks a dog’s immune system and damages the cells lining the intestines. It spreads easily through infected feces, contaminated surfaces like bowls and leashes, and even on human shoes or clothing. The virus can survive for long periods in the environment.
Dogs with parvo often suffer from extreme vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or blood and a very strong odor. They may also have a fever, appear weak or tired, and lose their appetite. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at the highest risk. Without emergency care, the survival rate in young puppies can be as low as 20 to 30 percent.
Some breeds, including Rottweilers, Dobermans, Labrador Retrievers, Staffordshire Terriers, and Arctic sled dogs, may be especially vulnerable to the virus.
There Is No Cure, But There Is Protection
There is currently no approved antiviral treatment for parvo in Canada. Dogs with parvo need emergency supportive care, which may include hospitalization, IV fluids, medications, and close monitoring. Even then, survival is not guaranteed.
The best protection is prevention. The DHPP vaccine helps protect dogs against four serious illnesses: distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. It is safe, effective, and essential for all dogs, especially puppies and newly adopted pets. The Peterborough Humane Society offers the DHPP vaccine through our Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic.
“Every dog deserves the protection that vaccines offer,” says Dr. Hannah Pope, Medical Director at PHS. “Parvo is heartbreaking to treat because it is so preventable. We urge every dog owner, especially those with puppies, to make sure their pet is vaccinated. It is one of the most important things you can do for their health.”
How to Book Your Dog’s DHPP Vaccine
If your dog hasn’t had their DHPP vaccine yet, or if you’re not sure of their vaccine history, we’re here to help. The vaccine is just $12.50 and is available through our clinic as an add-on to your Wellness Exam. To get started, visit our Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic booking page and book your appointment in just a few clicks.
Let’s Keep Our Dogs Safe, Together
Parvo is painful, contagious, and often deadly. But it is also preventable. With one simple vaccine, you can protect your dog and help stop the spread of this dangerous virus in our community.
Thank you for helping us keep Peterborough’s pets safe, healthy, and loved.
