Companion Animals

Companion Dog Parvovirus Prevention

Canine parvovirus is a preventable disease that causes severe suffering and high mortality in unvaccinated dogs worldwide.

Key Facts

Parvovirus attacks the intestinal lining and immune system
Puppies under six months are most vulnerable
Mortality can exceed 90 percent without treatment
The virus survives in soil for months to years

Welfare Considerations

Infected dogs experience hemorrhagic diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and severe pain. Treatment requires intensive hospitalization and is expensive. Vaccination is highly effective but remains unavailable to many dogs in low-resource settings, leading to preventable mass suffering.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate all dogs including puppies on the recommended schedule
Avoid exposing unvaccinated puppies to high-risk areas
Support low-cost vaccination programs in your community
Educate new pet owners about the importance of parvo vaccination