Dogs get parvo primarily through contact with the canine parvovirus (CPV), which is highly contagious and can be spread in several ways:
- Direct contact with an infected dog.
- Contact with feces (stool) from infected dogs, which can contain the virus even in trace amounts.
- Contact with virus-contaminated surfaces such as kennels, food and water bowls, collars, leashes, bedding, and the hands or clothing of people who handle infected dogs.
- Indirect contact via contaminated environments like the ground, dog parks, yards, or even inside homes.
The virus is very resilient, able to survive in the environment for long periods (months or even years), resisting heat, cold, humidity, drying, and many disinfectants. It can be transferred on dogs' paws or fur and on people’s shoes or clothing, making infection possible without direct dog-to-dog contact
. Dogs often get infected by sniffing, licking, or even ingesting contaminated feces, as the virus is shed in the stool of infected dogs starting a few days after infection. Puppies are especially vulnerable, particularly if not vaccinated, and some breeds appear more susceptible
. In summary, dogs get parvo through exposure to the virus in feces or contaminated objects and environments, with the virus easily spreading via direct or indirect contact
