Parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect dogs. Parvo attacks the gastrointestinal tract and immune system of dogs, and can be fatal if left untreated, especially in puppies. Knowing how to test for parvo is critical for dog owners to help prevent outbreaks and get treatment promptly.
What are the symptoms of parvo in dogs?
The most common symptoms of parvo in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea with blood or mucus
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Dehydration
Puppies under one year old are the most susceptible, but older dogs can also contract parvo if unvaccinated. The symptoms usually appear within 3-10 days of exposure to the virus. Dogs may die within 48-72 hours without aggressive treatment, so testing and diagnosis early on is critical.
How do vets test dogs for parvo?
There are a few different tests vets can use to diagnose parvo in dogs:
Fecal exam
Looking at a stool sample under a microscope can reveal the presence of parvovirus. This is a common first step, but not a definitive diagnosis alone.
ELISA test
This blood test detects parvo antibodies produced by the dog’s immune system. It is relatively fast and accurate.
PCR test
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests detect the presence of parvo DNA in a dog’s stool or blood sample. This is the most accurate diagnostic test.
| Test | Sample Needed | Speed | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal exam | Stool sample | Fast | Moderate |
| ELISA | Blood sample | Fast | High |
| PCR | Stool or blood | Moderate | Very high |
Vets may start with a fecal exam, but usually follow up with a PCR test to confirm parvo, especially in puppies. The ELISA blood test can also provide supporting evidence.
Can you test for parvo at home?
There are some parvo test kits available for at-home use. These usually involve taking a stool sample from the dog and adding it to a solution that detects parvo antigen proteins.
Benefits of at-home parvo tests include:
- Immediate results at first signs of illness
- Avoiding a trip to the vet
- Low cost
However, these kits are not as accurate as the PCR tests vets use. At-home tests can sometimes give false positives or negatives. They are best used as a preliminary screening, with any positives confirmed by a vet.
Can parvo be diagnosed without a test?
It’s possible for vets to make a presumptive parvo diagnosis based on clinical signs, without a laboratory test. Puppies with vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration and fever are likely to have parvo.
However, the risk of misdiagnosis is higher without a confirmatory lab test. And knowing definitively if parvo is present allows vets to provide more targeted treatment.
So while some supporting evidence may justify presuming parvo, vets will always recommend confirming with testing if at all possible.
What should you do if you suspect parvo?
If your dog is showing potential signs of parvo, here are some steps to take:
- Isolate the dog from other pets immediately.
- Call your vet for an appointment and mention parvo as a possibility.
- If using an at-home test kit, collect a stool sample for preliminary testing.
- Avoid self-treating the dog, as fluids and medication will likely be needed.
- Sanitize any areas the dog has occupied to prevent viral spread.
- Watch for worsening symptoms like bloody diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy.
Getting the dog tested and treated quickly improves the chances of recovery. Leaving parvo untreated can rapidly lead to dehydration, shock and death.
Can parvo be prevented with vaccines?
Yes, parvo vaccines are an effective way to prevent infection in dogs. Puppies should receive a series of parvo vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks old and repeating every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks old.
After the initial puppy series, dogs need a parvo booster vaccine every 1-3 years. Adult dogs with unknown vaccination history should receive at least one parvo vaccine immediately.
Properly vaccinated adult dogs have almost zero risk of contracting parvo. Puppies are at higher risk until they complete their vaccination series around 16 weeks old.
How long does parvo last in dogs?
In dogs that recover, parvo symptoms typically last about 1-2 weeks. The virus will continue to shed in their feces for up to 6 weeks after recovery.
Surviving parvo also leads to long-term immunity in most dogs. Re-infection is rare but possible in immunocompromised dogs.
Can parvo spread to humans?
No, parvovirus cannot spread directly from dogs to humans. But the virus is extremely hardy and can linger in environments for months. Humans can inadvertently track it into their homes on shoes or clothing.
Thorough cleaning and disinfection is necessary after a parvo outbreak to prevent indirect spread between dogs. Any areas a sick dog occupied should be sanitized.
Key takeaways
- Parvo causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and fever in dogs.
- Diagnostic tests like ELISA and PCR can detect parvo accurately.
- At-home tests are available but less reliable than vet tests.
- Vaccination provides excellent protection against parvo in dogs.
- Infected areas require thorough cleaning to prevent environmental spread.
Knowing how to test for parvo allows dog owners to get prompt and proper treatment. Prevention through vaccination and sanitation are also critical to control this highly contagious virus in dog populations.
Consult your vet immediately at the first sign of illness to explore whether parvo testing may be warranted. Swift action gives dogs the best chance of recovery from this devastating disease.