Parvoviral Gastroenteritis
Parvoviral Gastroenteritis can affect any breed of dog at any age. It typically affects young puppies who have not been vaccinated, and with these young dogs, it is usually fatal.
Parvo is a virus that attacks the lining of the digestive system. It causes dogs and puppies to not be able to absorb nutrients or liquids. When dogs and puppies contract parvo, they often have diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy. Usually they stop eating and develop a bloody, foul-smelling, liquid stool. The foul smell is from the copper in the blood.
Parvo can also attack a dog's heart causing congestive heart failure. This complication can occur months or years after an apparent recovery from the intestinal form of the disease. Puppies who survive parvo infection usually remain somewhat unhealthy during their lives.
Parvo can be transmitted from dog to dog or through objects. If your puppy walks in the park through feces of an affected dog, your puppy may contract Parvo if he has not been vaccinated. It can also be transmitted by toys, clothing (even shoes), etc. The virus can live for years on surfaces such as walls and floors, and even in the grass.
There is a 7-10 day incubation period for this virus, which means that it will be 7 to 10 days after coming into contact with Parvo before your dog will begin to show symptoms.