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Parvovirus is one of the most communicable diseases that can take effect on dogs so can a dog get parvo twice or more than once? It is potentially very fatal and requires serious care and treatment when diagnosed by the vets. However, the chances of infection is greatly limited with vaccination, but even at that, your dog is not 100% protected against the disease.
For most of dogs that do survive parvovirus, owners will likely be worried about their pet getting sick from parvovirus twice. It’s a deadly disease, and is one that can take a toll on dogs, so that is why there are worries over being infected again. But what is the obvious truth?
To discover, I decided to research as much as I can about whether or not a dog can get parvovirus more than once. Here is what I discovered
Can dogs get parvovirus twice?
It is really unlikely that dogs get parvovirus twice in a row or more than once, as they will develop immunity to the disease after being infected. However, there is theory that there is a very slim chance a dog could get parvovirus again due to an infection from a different mutation strain.
So, it is most unlikely a dog can get parvovirus twice. The reason is down to the antibodies they must have built up in their system after the very first infection. It is the same logic behind how we humans get measles, build up resistance to it, and then are most unlikely to get it again.
However, this is where things get a bit harder, because dogs parvovirus has many various strains. And like most contagious diseases and viruses, it can evolve and mutate into a very similar strain.
And that is how there is always a slight risk that your dog can get parvovirus more than once. But, as it is today, I have been unable to find any evidence online that has been documented that a dog has been infected again with parvovirus more than once, so it appears this is mainly based on theory.
But theory often springs up as reality.We just have to look at recent events around the world with the virus that has affected humans in 2020 to see how things can evolve and spread fast.
How To Protect Your Against Getting Parvovirus Twice
Despite the chances being overlooked, you should always think your dog can get parvovirus twice, so take good care and pay attention at all times. That means keeping up to date at all times with vaccinations and booster shots. Essentially, puppies get shots in three rounds; 8, 10, and 14 weeks respectively.
As your dog ages, you can protect them against being in contact parvovirus by ensuring booster shots are given 1 year after vaccination and then once after every 3 years.
You should also try to limit your puppy’s exposure to places where they might be dogs who have been not been vaccinated.
How Long Does Immunity Last For After A Getting Parvovirus?
I have seen conflicting reports online on how long a dog is immune after getting parvovirus. Some vet websites are not clear enough stating the dog will be immune for several years, while others say immunity can last for about 3 years.
Does The Vaccination Work Always?
In accordance to the Dogs Naturally Magazine, the Virbac Disease Watchdog found out that 28% of vaccinated puppies and 11% of vaccinated adult dogs will still get parvovirus.
You most likely will think your dog is safe from the disease, but they might still catch it. If they do, it is a scary diagnosis for sure, but the Dogs Naturally Magazine say:
Irrespective the media scare and warnings from vet doctors, parvovirus has a survival rate of about 85%. This does not mean 15% of puppies die from parvovirus it means that 15% of puppies who are exposed to the disease and actually catch it will die.”
Conclusion
By the way I can not find any evidence being documented that a dog can get sick from parvovirus twice, the theory about evolving strains of the virus makes sense. Based on those, you would have to come into a conclusion that there are slim chance of dogs getting parvovirus more than once.
It is more likely to happen to your dog though?
No. Providing your dog is well vaccinated, healthy, and you do not take any risks, your dog should have the necessary protection he or she needs against this disease.