There is a cultural debate brewing across American communities today around scooping dog poop, but did you know poop can actually be deadly to dogs? Just one sniff or lick can lead to the potentially fatal canine parvovirus (parvo). Parvo is one of the most contagious and deadly viruses for dogs and puppies, and it is directly linked to dog poop. Sadly, research shows only 44% of dog owners know what parvo is, with 20% having no knowledge of the disease1 — presenting a huge education gap and opportunity to spread greater awareness.
This is why in 2023 Elanco introduced the only USDA conditionally approved Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody treatment. The single intravenous dose of the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody stops parvo by blocking the entry of the virus into host cells and may help dogs feel better faster. And since then, Elanco’s treatment has been saving the lives of puppies across the country such as Cookie, Bronco, and Mango.
On April 23, 2024, we recognize the first National Parvo Awareness Day to do just that — spread greater awareness so we can better protect our four-legged loved ones from this devastating virus. In 2025 and beyond, National Parvo Awareness Day will be held on the fourth Tuesday in April.
History of National Parvo Awareness Day
National Parvo Awareness Day was declared by the Parvo Defenders Task Force, a group brought together by Elanco Animal Health to help save 1 million puppies by 2030 from parvo. The day, simply put, is one for action. It’s a day to take a moment to shed light on the dangers of parvo, and remind pet owners, and the veterinary community, that parvo season is quickly approaching, and risk will be higher.
To empower this action-mindset, and along with declaring the first National Parvo Awareness Day, Elanco also launched the first-ever parvo tracking tool to track and report cases of parvo across the country. With ParvoTrack – powered by Elanco, visitors can now report cases to the tracker, empowering pet owners and veterinary professionals alike to be aware of and prepare for a parvo outbreak by visiting StopParvo.com.
Why the fourth Tuesday in April? This day marks the beginning of the parvo season, which runs from early spring to mid-summer. The date was selected based on five years of Google Trends search when searchers for parvo started to trend upward, leading into peak parvo season and when dogs, especially puppies, are most susceptible. Without timely and aggressive care, parvo has a mortality rate as high as 91%2. Approximately 900 dogs are diagnosed3 with parvo daily in the U.S. — primarily unvaccinated puppies.
Let’s recognize National Parvo Awareness Day through dialogues about parvo, its risks, symptoms, and treatments so that we can protect our furry friends from this deadly virus.
Sources:
1. Elanco Animal Health. Market Data on File.
2. Venn, E.C. et al. Evaluation of an outpatient protocol in the treatment of canine parvoviral enteritis. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. 27(1) 2017, 52-65. doi: 10.1111/vec.12561.
3. Elanco Animal Health. Data on File.
PM-US-24-0173
National Parvo Awareness Day timeline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conditionally approves treatment for parvo — Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody. The innovative treatment has been hailed as a game-changer in the veterinary world. By effectively combating parvo, it offers newfound hope and relief to pets and their worried owners.
An 8-week-old pit bull mix named Cookie, who had not received any previous vaccinations, is brought to the Fix Project’s Parvo ICU. After a parvo diagnosis, Cookie makes history as the first puppy, after launch, to be treated with Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody.
Elanco launches the multi-year Defend Puppies. Defeat Parvo. mission to increase education about parvo and save 1 million puppies by 2030. January 2024: Parvo Defenders Task Force, a group of advocates working to Defend Puppies and Defeat Parvo by educating on parvo, how it spreads, key symptoms, and raising awareness about treatment, is formed.
Parvo Defenders Task Force designates the fourth Tuesday in April as National Parvo Awareness Day.
Elanco launches the groundbreaking Parvo is Poop campaign to raise awareness about parvo season and leverages the bold campaign to stop pet owners in their tracks to spark much-needed discussion around the virus.
Elanco launches the first-ever canine parvovirus tracking tool to track and report cases of parvo across the country. You can access the tracking tool, ParvoTrack — powered by Elanco, at StopParvo.com.
How to recognize National Parvo Awareness Day
Learn about canine parvovirus and help educate others
For pet owners, National Parvo Awareness Day is the perfect time to take a moment to reflect on parvo and the importance of protecting your four-legged loved ones from this devastating virus.
- Current State of Canine Parvovirus
- Parvo in dogs: Causes, Early Signs and When to call the Vet
- Canine Parvovirus Pet Parent Handout
Remain informed and be on alert
Sign up to report and receive parvo outbreak alerts in your area at StopParvo.com.
Spread the word
Take the pledge
Elanco is making a bold commitment to save 1 million puppies from parvovirus by 2030. Join us and take the pledge today.
National Parvo Awareness Day FAQs
What is Canine Parvovirus?
Parvo is a highly contagious gastrointestinal infection that spreads via direct contact with infected dogs, contact with feces (stool) from infected dogs, or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces.
What are the signs of Canine Parvovirus?
The signs of symptoms of parvo infection include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
How is parvo diagnosed and treated?
Fecal testing can confirm the diagnosis. Dogs with severe infection need immediate, intensive treatment and 24/7 monitoring — which often involves several days of hospitalization and supportive care.
How to protect puppies from canine parvovirus
Beware of the poop
Parvo is spread through an infected dog’s feces, so it’s important to keep your dog away from other dogs’ feces.
Observe your dog
If they have any of the signs and symptoms of parvo, such as vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, call your veterinarian and get them checked.
Consult your veterinarian
If your dog tests positive for parvo, ask your veterinarian about Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody, the first and only U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conditionally approved targeted treatment for parvovirus.
National Parvo Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 23 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 22 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 28 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 27 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | April 25 | Tuesday |
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