Canine parvovirus is one of the most common and severe gastrointestinal
diseases of dogs. Parvovirus most frequently attacks puppies younger than
one year of age. The virus is extremely contagious and strikes rapidly and
without warning. While most infected adult dogs recover, as many as 25%
to 50% of infected puppies die from the disease if not diagnosed and
treated immediately.

Parvovirus can be spread when a dog comes into contact with the feces
of an infected dog. The virus can remain infectious on a contaminated
ground for five months or more. As a result, your pet can contract parvovirus
anywhere dogs come together, such as parks, kennels, shelters and pet
stores.

Some of the symptoms of parvovirus include:

   Lack of appetite

   Lethargy or listlessness

   Vomiting

   Fever

   Abdominal distention (pot belly) or discomfort

   Signs of dehydration

   Bloody diarrhea

   Profuse diarrhea

Vaccination is the most effective step to prevent this threatening disease.
Your puppy can be vaccinated against parvovirus. Vaccinations begin at
six weeks, and are boosted every three weeks until the puppy is eighteen
weeks old, to be sure the boosters gain immunity.