Dog Parvo Treatment in San Jose — ARCH Veterinary
Canine parvovirus is one of the most serious infectious diseases of puppies — and one of the most treatable when caught early. ARCH Veterinary in San Jose offers in-house SNAP parvo testing, aggressive IV fluid and supportive care, hospitalization, and full vaccination protocols to prevent it in the first place.
What parvo looks like
Severe vomiting, profuse bloody and foul-smelling diarrhea, lethargy, refusal to eat, and rapid dehydration in an unvaccinated or under-vaccinated puppy. Onset is sudden and dogs can decline within hours.
How dogs get parvo
Direct contact with infected feces or contaminated surfaces — the virus is extremely hardy and lives in soil for months to years. Unvaccinated puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months are most at risk. Certain breeds (Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds) appear more susceptible.
Diagnosis
In-house SNAP parvo test from a fecal sample gives results in 10 minutes. We also run a CBC (showing dramatically low white blood cells), chemistry panel for electrolytes, and screen for intestinal parasites that worsen prognosis.
Treatment
Aggressive IV fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, anti-nausea medication, pain control, broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent sepsis, nutritional support, and often plasma transfusions in severe cases. Hospitalization typically lasts 3–7 days. Survival rates with full treatment are 80–90%.
Prevention is non-negotiable
DA2PP vaccine series starting at 6–8 weeks and boostered every 3–4 weeks until 16+ weeks, then 1 year later and every 3 years for life. Keep unvaccinated puppies off communal grass and away from unknown dogs until the series is complete.
Advanced veterinary care in San Jose
ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.
Frequently asked questions
Can adult dogs get parvo?
Rarely, if they've been vaccinated. Almost all cases are in unvaccinated or under-vaccinated puppies under 6 months.
What's the survival rate?
With aggressive in-hospital treatment, 80–90%. Without treatment, mortality is very high.
How much does parvo treatment cost?
Hospitalization typically runs $1,500–$4,000 depending on severity and length of stay. We provide an estimate up front.
How long is a recovered dog contagious?
Virus shedding continues for 2–3 weeks after recovery. Keep them away from other unvaccinated dogs during that time.