The canine parvovirus can be transmitted by direct contact or indirectly by contact with vomit, diarrhoea or any contaminated discharges from an infected dog.  It strikes with a quick vengeance, and pet owners often make the comment that their dog was up and playing a few hours prior to the animal becoming extremely ill. Unfortunately, parvovirus  is often fatal.

To avoid your puppy infecting or becoming infected there are some guidelines below for you to follow.  These are: 

• To begin your puppy's education, carry your puppy in your arms in order for it to see the world outside, until its fully vaccinated.
• Never  put your puppy down on the floor anywhere outside your home until fully vaccinated.
• Never let it near unknown dogs until fully vaccinated
• Only socialise your puppy with healthy well behaved dogs who are vaccinated and that you know until your puppy is full vaccinated. 
• If you have other dogs in the home and these are vaccinated than your puppy can mix freely with them in the house
• When adults dogs that live in the same house are exercised outside be careful who they mix with until your puppy is fully vaccinated.
• Be sensible in your approach to your puppy's health.
• Check with your vet to see if in your area there is currently any outbreak.
• Follow your vet's advice in line with your own sensible precautions.

and finally you could

• Not take your puppy out of your home at all until it has been fully vaccinated to avoid all risks, but it will mean your puppy missing a critical period in its socialisation.

Talk with a reputable veterinarian about the recommended shots or vaccination for your puppy.

If you've recently lost a dog to Parvovirus, veterinarians recommend that you wait six months to a year before putting a new puppy or non-vaccinated dog in to an infected environment (even if you have disinfected it). To immediately bring an animal into a situation where one has recently died of  the Parvovirus is a virtual death sentence for the new puppy. Common sense and regular visits to the veterinarian can save your dog's life.

The symptoms of Parvovirus include - a sudden onset of vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, lethargy, high temperature and sometimes sudden death. Symptoms are similar in adults, although they can be less acute.

Because Parvovirus attacks swiftly, time is of the essence. If you feel your dog has been exposed to the Parvovirus, or it is showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

F-Strain Virus

There is a recent mutation of the parvovirus which is more virulent. It attacks the lower intestinal tract or large intestine. Dogs contracting this new strain will have accelerated symptoms. Care should be given immediately!

Symptoms to watch for:

• Gelatin-like stool with some blood.
• Vomiting with bile and foam.
• Rapid weight loss (within a few hours after becoming ill.)