Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Parvovirus Prevention

Canine parvovirus causes severe suffering and high mortality in unvaccinated dogs. Vaccination provides excellent protection and remains one of the most important preventive welfare actions.

Key Facts

Canine parvovirus causes severe haemorrhagic gastroenteritis with high mortality in unvaccinated dogs
The virus is extremely environmentally stable and can persist for years in contaminated areas
Puppies and unvaccinated young dogs are most severely affected
Vaccination from 8 weeks provides excellent protection when properly completed
Outbreaks are occurring in under-vaccinated urban populations

Welfare Considerations

Parvovirus causes extreme suffering and rapid death. Vaccination is highly effective, affordable, and one of the most direct welfare investments for dogs. Outbreaks in under-vaccinated populations demonstrate the ongoing importance of vaccination.

What You Can Do

Ensure all puppies complete their full primary vaccination course
Maintain annual booster vaccinations as recommended
Avoid areas with known parvovirus contamination with unvaccinated puppies
Support community vaccination programmes in under-vaccinated populations