Can Older Dogs Get Parvo? Risks, Symptoms & Care

It is widely known among dog owners that puppies need vaccination against canine parvovirus (often called parvo) due to its potentially fatal effects. However, older dogs can also contract parvovirus if they were not vaccinated as puppies or if their immune system is compromised. The parvo virus is highly resilient, persisting in environments for months and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, including freezing temperatures.

How Older Dogs Can Contract Parvovirus

Dogs do not need direct contact with infected faeces to catch parvo. The virus can survive in soil or on surfaces for up to seven months. For example, if someone inadvertently tracks contaminated faeces particles into your home on their shoes, your dog could be exposed. When these virus particles are ingested, infection occurs. Older dogs without proper vaccination or with weakened immunity are at significant risk.

Dogs with Compromised Immunity Are More Susceptible

Older dogs that have never received parvovirus vaccination, plus any dogs with weakened immune systems—such as those recovering from illness or on immunosuppressive medications—are vulnerable. Early diagnosis is crucial to improve outcomes. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea, often with blood
• Distinct foul smell from faeces

Symptoms usually develop within 3 to 7 days of exposure but may not be obvious immediately. While many dogs experience severe illness, some adult dogs show only mild symptoms or none at all, making them silent carriers who can shed the virus and risk infecting others.

What Treatment Entails for Older Dogs with Parvo

There is no cure for parvovirus itself, so supportive care is essential. This often means hospitalisation under veterinary supervision, including:

• Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections like sepsis
• Medications to reduce nausea and vomiting
• Antacids to protect the stomach lining suffering from repeated vomiting
• Worming treatment if intestinal parasites are present

Additional treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs, plasma transfusions, or antiviral medications may be recommended depending on the dog's condition severity.

Recovery and Aftercare

Successful recovery requires careful aftercare at home, with completion of prescribed antibiotics and any other medications. Dogs often have ongoing digestive upset, with soft stools lasting for several weeks as the intestinal lining heals.

It is vital to reintroduce food gradually and provide a bland diet initially as advised by your vet. Remember, dogs recovering from parvovirus will continue shedding virus particles in their faeces for up to four weeks post-treatment, so avoid public places where unvaccinated or vulnerable dogs might be exposed. Keep your recovering dog away from puppies and other unvaccinated dogs during this shedding period.

Preventing Parvo in Older Dogs

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against parvovirus at any age. Older dogs who missed early puppy vaccinations should have dedicated discussions with their vet to consider catch-up vaccination protocols. Maintaining a strong immune system, regular vet check-ups, and avoiding areas known to be contaminated can also help prevent infection.

Conclusion

While canine parvovirus is often associated with puppies, older dogs are not immune—especially if unvaccinated or immunocompromised. Recognising early symptoms and seeking prompt veterinary care improves recovery chances. Supportive hospital care and attentive aftercare at home are essential, with careful management of environmental exposure to protect other dogs. Responsible vaccination and hygiene help keep all dogs safe from this serious disease.