Does Pet Insurance Cover Parvo?

Parvovirus – a severely contagious and sometimes even fatal virus in dogs and cats- cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be curbed through intensive medication and care. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of required medicines and other treatments in the case it is an ‘accidents and illnesses’ plan. 

Before getting into the details of how much treating parvo can cost in dogs and cats and how much of it you can get reimbursed with pet insurance, let’s start with what the virus is and how to identify it. 

Which costs does pet insurance cover? 

If you have an accidents and illnesses pet insurance plan, you can get help with the costs related to parvo treatment for your pet. It will help cover costs like hospitalization, medicines, diagnostics, and more. 

There are 3 things to note here, though – 

What is Parvovirus? 

Parvovirus or canine parvovirus is a highly contagious disease caused by CPV 2, which is type 2 of the virus. There are multiple strains of this virus and the disease which it produces is commonly referred to as parvovirus. It affects the blood cells and the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and even other canids like wolves, coyotes, foxes, etc. It can also attack the infection-fighting cells in the bone marrow, making it very difficult for the infected dogs to recover⁽¹⁾

Can Cats Also Get Parvovirus? 

Yes, just like canine parvovirus, there’s feline parvovirus, more commonly known as Panleukopenia or Feline Distemper. It is more common in kittens as they lose their antibodies from their mother after a few weeks of birth. It causes illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever and will most probably result in death. ⁽³⁾

While the symptoms are the same, the virus is different from the one that affects dogs. So, affected dogs cannot transfer the virus to cats and vice versa. 

How do Dogs Catch Parvovirus?

Infected dogs excrete traces of the virus through feces. Infection is, hence, acquired through direct oral or nasal contact with virus-containing feces. It can also be acquired through contact with infected environments. Pregnant dogs can transfer the virus to their unborn pups. Even humans can be agents of virus transfer from an infected dog. ⁽¹⁾

The virus is resistant to most common detergents and disinfectants, as well as to changes in temperature and pH. It can persist indoors at room temperature for at least 2 months and even for years if protected from sunlight. 

Cats also catch the virus in similar ways. 

What are the Signs of Parvovirus in Dogs and Cats? 

The signs of the virus can vary from pet to pet, depending on their overall health, age, etc. Some pets may not even show any symptoms. However, if they do, here are some signs that you may start seeing within 4-5 days of the virus infection – ⁽¹⁾

The disease will gradually progress with time and eventually lead to death in most cases. The moment your dog or cat shows any of the above symptoms, you should be taking them to the vet immediately. 

Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone to Parvo?

Parvovirus usually affects young pups and kittens. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs stand the highest chance of getting affected. While it can happen to any dog as the virus can exist almost anywhere and everywhere, there are certain breeds that are seen to be more prone to it. They include – ⁽¹⁾

How is Parvo Treated in Dogs and Cats? 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for parvovirus in dogs and cats. The only treatment is prevention through vaccination. In case the affected pet is not vaccinated, they may need several days of hospitalization, and intensive care to control the symptoms. Despite everything, the chances of death remain high. 

The supportive care usually includes fluid and electrolyte therapy, nutritional support, anti-emetics, and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection. 

A good thing here is that most puppies that survive the virus for the first 3-4 days will most probably recover fully within a week or so. A good all-around supportive care can ensure that. The recovered dog will also become immune to the virus in the future. 

How much does the Parvo vaccine cost?

Pups can receive their parvo vaccination at 6,8 and 12 weeks of age. They will even need a booster vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age⁽²⁾. It is important to complete the entire series of vaccinations to ensure complete immunity. The first-year doses will cost you around $60-$180. The booster shots can cost around $15 to $40. ⁽⁴⁾

How much does it cost to treat Parvo in Dogs and Cats? 

The total treatment cost will not be the same for everyone as it will depend on the severity of the condition, hospitalization period, location of the clinic, etc. Here’s an approximate breakdown for you – ⁽⁴⁾

So, the total cost can range anywhere between $700-$3000 or even more. 

If the disease is a preventable one, most pet insurers won’t cover the costs if the pet is unvaccinated. 

Plans at Spot Pet Insurance can also help cover costs like alternate therapies, prescription diets and more! 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!