Canine parvovirus is a devastating but entirely vaccine-preventable disease killing thousands of puppies annually, with treatment advances improving outcomes for infected animals.
Parvovirus causes profoundly distressing illness - affected puppies vomit repeatedly, develop bloody diarrhea, and become severely dehydrated. The illness is extremely painful and frightening. Even with treatment, survivors endure days of hospitalization with intensive interventions. The tragedy of parvovirus is that it is entirely preventable through vaccination, yet continues to kill puppies in under-resourced communities where veterinary care is inaccessible. Vaccination access equity is a major animal welfare issue.