Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375 vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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What is parvo?
Canine parvovirus (parvo) is a virus (germ) that
makes dogs sick. The virus attacks a dog's
intestines and immune system. It is highly contagious between dogs and
is often fatal to them. Every year, hundreds of
dogs in Los Angeles (LA) County get sick and
with canine parvo. You can protect your dog by
getting them vaccinated. People do not get sick
from canine parvovirus.
How does parvo
spread between dogs?
Dogs can catch parvo when they touch other dogs
that have it or the ground where a sick dog has
walked or defecated. A dog with parvo
contaminates its environment with the virus. So
dogs can also catch parvo from the bedding,
toys, bowls, and even the yard of a dog that has
parvo. The virus can live for months in an
environment, including in public parks and dog
parks. Puppies are most likely to catch it.
Humans do NOT get sick from this virus.
What are the signs
of parvo in dogs?
Parvo causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The
diarrhea is usually severe and often bloody. Dog
with parvo usually become very lethargic,
dehydrated and have no appetite. Dogs can die
from parvo.
Where is Parvo
in Los Angeles County?
Parvo in Dogs - Epidemiology Updates
How can I protect
my dog from parvo?
Get your dog vaccinated! Vaccination save dogs’
lives and saves money. It costs much less money
to protect your dog with vaccinations than to
treat your dog for parvo.
The DHLPP (or DHPP) vaccine protects your dog
from parvo (It is one of the "Ps" in DHLPP). One
shot is not enough! Keep your puppy away from
public areas until it has finished the first
series of shots. Allow your puppy to play only
with a few healthy, vaccinated dogs in a yard
where you know no sick dogs have been in the
last year.
Protect Your Dog from Parvo! (English & Spanish)
Where can I get vaccinations for my dog?
Veterinary hospitals: Team
up with a local veterinarian to keep your
dog healthy. Many veterinary hospitals offer
low-cost vaccinations on certain days. Click here to
learn more.
Keep your puppy away
from other dogs and public parks
until after it
has finished
the FULL series of
puppy shots.
Reporting Cases
of Parvo in Dogs in LA County
Parvo in fully vaccinated dogs is reportable in LA County. Parvo in dogs is not transmissible to humans
(zoonotic). However, cases help indicate
areas of LA County with reduced access to, or
utilization of, veterinary
services. As a result, the risk for exposure
to zoonotic diseases is likely higher in such
areas. Data on parvo in dogs indicate areas in
LA County where outreach services involving
animal health and zoonotic diseases are needed
most.
Cases of parvo in dogs are reported by
animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, and occasionally by the public. Cases
are counted as either confirmed or suspected
according to LA County's
Case Definition for Parvo in Dogs.
