Canine Parvovirus: Incubation Period, Symptoms, and Treatment

1 Overview

I. The Incubation Period of Parvovirus

Unlike rabies virus, parvovirus also has a long incubation period – the shortest about 3 days, the longest around 14 days, but onset averages 5-7 days. Because the parvovirus incubation period is long, pet owners find it hard to notice the dog is sick, greatly affecting treatment. During the incubation period the dog shows no abnormalities – eating, drinking, and sleeping well. But on the first day the virus breaks out, symptoms come suddenly, catching many owners off guard.

II. Symptoms of Canine Parvovirus

1. Enteric parvovirus.

Enteric-type dogs generally show elevated temperature, biphasic fever, low spirits and appetite, and most typically vomiting and diarrhea. After frequent vomiting and diarrhea, the dog becomes dehydrated and anemic, the eyeballs sink, and the whole body is weak and floating.

2. Myocardial parvovirus. If it is myocardial parvovirus, the dog’s initial symptom is mild diarrhea, followed by respiratory infection symptoms, weak pulse, deep slow breathing, and obvious murmurs on auscultation. Puppies with myocarditis can die in a very short time.

Canine parvovirus is a serious contagious virus for dogs; treat promptly once found, or its physical condition will be greatly threatened and affected.