Companion Animals

Dog Parvovirus Prevention and Welfare

Canine parvovirus causes severe and often fatal disease in unvaccinated dogs, and prevention through vaccination is the most impactful welfare intervention.

Key Facts

Parvovirus causes haemorrhagic gastroenteritis with 70-90% mortality without treatment
The virus survives in the environment for over a year
Vaccination from 6-8 weeks provides highly effective protection
Socioeconomic barriers to vaccination mean parvovirus remains common in some communities
Treatment is intensive and expensive, making prevention far preferable

Welfare Considerations

Parvovirus death involves severe pain, distress and prolonged suffering over several days. Vaccination essentially eliminates this suffering at low cost. Expanding vaccination access to underserved communities through subsidised programs is a high-impact welfare and public health intervention.

What You Can Do

Ensure your dog is vaccinated and boosted as recommended
Support community vaccination programs in areas of low uptake
Donate to charities providing subsidised vaccination access