Parvo is caused by a virus that attacks the intestinal lining of a dog causing vomiting, bloody diarrhea and severe dehydration. Parvo is transmitted when a dog with low immunity to parvo comes in contact with fecal material from another dog that is shedding the virus (not always a clinically sick animal). Dogs with the lowest immunity to parvo are puppies less than 6 months old (even if they are up to date on their vaccines) and adult dogs that have never been vaccinated against parvo.
If a puppy has contracted parvo it will show signs within 6 days of being exposed. The signs of parvo are lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and vomiting.
Parvo can be fatal if not treated immediately and aggressively. Even with the best treatment only about 40% will survive.
It is very important that you keep your dogs up to date with vaccinations. Protect your pet from disease!