Our Privacy/Cookie Policy contains detailed information about the types of cookies & related technology on our site, and some ways to opt out. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use.

Close

How to Kill Canine Parvo in Your Household & Yard

| Updated September 26, 2017

Things You'll Need

  • Pooper-scooper

  • Bleach

  • Water

  • Gloves

  • Sponges

  • Rags

Ridding your home and yard of the canine parvovirus requires persistence. Because of the hardiness of the virus and its ability to survive outside a host for months, parvo is difficult to eradicate. The Merck Veterinary Manual warns that not all common disinfectants have the ability to kill the parvovirus.

Rid your yard of all dog feces. Infected dogs shed parvovirus every time they defecate, putting the virus into the environment and making other dogs vulnerable to illness. To kill canine parvo in your yard, you must remove this potential source of infection. Wear gloves and use the pooper-scooper. When you're finished, clean your shoes with a solution of bleach and water. Throw away the pooper-scooper.

Spray the areas of your lawn frequented by your dog. Use a mixture of one part bleach to two parts water. Don't allow your dog into this part of your yard until the grass dries out. If your dog has a dog house or toys outdoors, wipe down the dog house and throw away the toys.

Clean your dog's food and water bowls with the bleach-water solution. Consider throwing out the dog's old toys and purchasing new ones.

Wash all clothes and bedding. Use detergent with bleach.

Wipe down all walls, tables, floors and surfaces with bleach-water solution.

Shampoo your carpet and upholstered furnishings.

Tips

  • Have your dogs vaccinated against parvovirus.

Warnings

  • If your dog currently suffers from parvo, confine it to a single room for at least a month after it recovers. This lessens the spread of the virus and limits the amount of areas you'll need to clean.