Is Parvo contagious to other dogs or people?

by John
(New York, NY)

Reader Question: Is Parvo, In Dogs, Contagious?

I'm fostering some dogs that were neglected. The one with a bloody stool and diarrhea has an appt at the vet in a few days. I'm afraid the others will catch it and it's toxic. They are all acting ok, but the blood is in all of his BMs

Veterinarian Answers Reader Question Regarding The Contagiousness Of Parvo

Hello,

Parvo is extremely contagious to other dogs that have not completed their series of protective vaccinations but poses no risk to people. Other conditions (e.g., intestinal parasites) can cause the symptoms you describe, so you are right to bring the dog to the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In the meantime, isolate the sick dog to protect other pets in the home that are at risk for becoming ill.

Good luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM