Why Parvo Is Surging in Phoenix Right Now and What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog

If you’ve lived in Phoenix long enough, you know the usual rhythm. Parvo hits hardest in the spring and summer, eases up when the weather cools, and everyone breathes a little easier. Not this year.

Veterinarians across the Valley are seeing an unusual spike in parvo cases this fall and winter, and it’s hitting harder and in some cases affecting dogs that wouldn’t normally be considered high-risk.

Here’s what’s going on, why it’s happening, and what you can do to protect your pup.

What We’re Seeing in Phoenix Right Now

Multiple clinics in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area have reported a significant jump in parvo cases far above what we expect for this time of year. A Scottsdale clinic even treated nearly five times the normal number for November. Some of these cases were fatal.

What’s raising eyebrows:

• It’s happening in November and December, which is not a typical parvo season

• Adult dogs are showing up sick, not just puppies

• Many dogs have unknown or incomplete vaccine histories• Cases have been severe, with dehydration and GI signs progressing fast

There’s a lot of speculation, but here’s the truth. We don’t know yet if this is a new strain. Nothing has been formally confirmed by any lab or research institution. The pattern is unusual, but unusual doesn’t automatically mean mutation.

At this point, all evidence points toward a perfect storm of existing factors rather than a proven new variant.

So, Is There a New Strain? We Don’t Know Yet

Right now there is zero definitive proof of a new parvo strain circulating in Phoenix.What we do know is that the behavior of this outbreak is out of the ordinary.

Here are the most likely contributors based on current case trends:

• Low vaccine compliance

• Puppies not completing their vaccine series

• Rescue transports and high kennel turnover

• Increased outdoor dog activity during cooler months

• Environmental persistence of the virus

Parvo doesn’t need to mutate to cause chaos. It just needs gaps in immunity and plenty of opportunities to spread.

If an actual new strain is identified, labs will publish it, and veterinarians will know quickly. Until then, the honest answer is that we don’t know yet.

Why Adult Dogs Are Getting Sick

This is the part that gets everyone’s attention.

We’re seeing adult dogs with:

• Spotty vaccine histories

• Only a puppy series with no adult boosters

• Lapsed annual vaccines

• A history of being unvaccinated before adoption

Here’s the hard truth. A surprising number of adult dogs in Phoenix are not fully protected, even if their owners believe they are. And with the current surge, the virus is finding those weak points.

How Parvo Spreads and Why Phoenix Is a Hotspot

Parvo is a survivor. It stays active in:

• Soil

• Sidewalks

• Dog parks

• Kennels

• Apartment potty areas

• On shoes and paws

It can persist for months or even years. Combine that with Phoenix’s dense pet population, shared outdoor spaces, and increased fall activity, and you get a recipe for rapid transmission.

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

If your dog shows any of these signs, act immediately:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea, especially bloody

• Not eating

• Lethargy

• Dehydration

• Fever

Parvo progresses fast. Early treatment saves lives.

What You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Dog

These steps actually move the needle. With the surge we’re seeing in Phoenix, they matter more than ever.

1. Check your dog’s vaccine status

If you’re unsure, assume they need a booster. Parvo does not wait for clarity.

2. Puppies must complete their entire vaccine series

One shot is not enough. Two shots are not enough. They aren’t reliably protected until the full series is finished and boosted.

3. Avoid or limit high-traffic dog areas temporarily

This includes dog parks, daycares, boarding facilities, and communal apartment potty areas.

4. Keep young puppies off the ground in public

Yes, they wiggle like caffeinated noodles. Carry them anyway.

5. Make sure your groomer requires up-to-date vaccines

If a groomer does not require proof of vaccination for every dog, that is a red flag. Ask them directly:“Do you require current parvo and distemper vaccines for all pets?”If they hesitate, find a different groomer.

6. Be cautious with rescue or foster transports

New dogs, especially those coming from high-intake organizations, should have their vaccines reviewed immediately.

7. Disinfect high-risk surfaces

Parvo survives most cleaners, but properly diluted bleach is effective.After high-risk exposure, wipe down paws, leashes, and even your shoes.

8. Call us immediately if symptoms appear

Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, not eating. Acting fast saves lives.

9. Share this information with friends and family

Most pet owners have no idea there’s an active surge happening in Phoenix. Awareness saves dogs.

Our Promise to You

We’re tracking this surge closely across the Valley. The moment there is confirmed information about a mutation, updated vaccine recommendations, or new treatment guidance, we will update you immediately.

In the meantime, vigilance is the best defense and vaccination is the strongest protection we have.

If you need to confirm your dog’s vaccines, schedule a booster, or get your puppy started correctly, text or call us at 623 738 2738 or visit www.valetvet.com.

Give your pups an extra cuddle from us. They deserve it, especially right now.