August 12, 2025 3 min read

Why Parvo is a Serious Threat to Breeders in 2025

Parvovirus is one of the most feared words in dog breeding — and for good reason.
This highly contagious, often deadly virus can sweep through a kennel in days, leaving devastation in its wake. Puppies are especially at risk, with immature immune systems that make them vulnerable to infection.

Parvo prevention for breeders requires a layered approach: vaccinate puppies and breeding dogs on schedule, limit exposure to high-risk environments, and maintain strict biosecurity. The potty area is a major transmission point, so automated waste removal systems like BrilliantPad® Pro help reduce contact with contaminated feces. Combining vaccination, sanitation, and hygiene technology offers the best protection for your litters and your breeding program.

The Hidden Cost of Parvo: Emotional and Financial Impact

When parvo hits, the impact isn’t just emotional — it’s financial. Treating one infected puppy can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Losing an entire litter means months of lost work, thousands in lost revenue, and damage to carefully developed bloodlines. Severe outbreaks can wipe out multiple litters and set a breeding program back years or even force a complete restart.

In 2025, breeders nationwide are facing record-high parvo outbreaks. Shelters have closed, quarantines have been enacted, and heartbreaking losses have been reported in multiple states. Even a single positive case in your facility can put every puppy and your reputation at risk.

Vaccination Alone Isn’t Enough to Stop Parvo Spread

Vaccines are your first line of defense, but parvo is extremely resilient. The virus can survive for months on surfaces and is easily carried in on shoes, clothing, and hands. A strong prevention plan requires layers:

  • Strict vaccination schedules for all puppies and breeding dogs.

  • Tight biosecurity protocols to prevent outside contamination.

  • Diligent sanitation — especially in the potty area, where the virus spreads most easily.

Why the Potty Area is the Highest Risk Zone for Parvo

Parvo spreads through infected feces. If waste isn’t removed quickly, puppies can step in it, track it, or ingest it — creating prime conditions for transmission.

This is why many breeders useBrilliantPad® Pro as part of their biosecurity routine. 

The automated system removes waste before puppies can touch it, helping to reduce exposure right at the source. Several breeders have told us this single change helped save their litters — even when one puppy tested positive.

Recent Parvo Outbreak Hotspots Across the U.S.

  • Syracuse, NY: Animal Control confirmed 8 cases in early August 2025 and issued a public advisory to avoid parks and stay current on vaccinations (Spectrum Local News).

  • Ontario County, NY: Six dogs died in a severe outbreak earlier this year, forcing the humane society to close temporarily (Spectrum Local News).

  • Harris County, TX: Quarantines, intake suspensions, and heightened sanitation followed an outbreak in May 2025 (Houston Public Media).

  • St. Louis County, MO: The worst local outbreak on record led to the euthanasia of 19 dogs and closure of the county adoption center (WKYC).

Best Practices for Breeders to Prevent Parvo

Vaccinate Puppies and Breeding Dogs on Schedule

Core parvo vaccinations are non-negotiable. Work with your veterinarian to maintain a strict, documented schedule.

Limit Exposure to High-Risk Environments

Keep unvaccinated puppies away from dog parks, public sidewalks, and shared play spaces.

Implement Strong Biosecurity Protocols

Use dedicated shoes and clothing for kennel use, sanitize hands and tools, and control visitor access. Learn more in this article “The Role of Biosafety in Preventing Kennel Infections”.

Keep Potty Areas Sanitary with Automated Systems

Reduce risk in the highest-contamination zone with self-cleaning potty solutions likeBrilliantPad Pro.

Get more insights on maintaining your kennel hygiene here “The Importance of Proper Cleaning and Disinfecting in Kennels”.

How BrilliantPad Supports Your Breeding Program’s Health and Reputation

Breeder benefits:

  • Cleaner whelping and play areas with less odor and mess.

  • Reduced disease exposure from fecal contact.

  • Time saved on cleanup — more focus on care and socialization.

  • A professional, hygienic environment for visiting families.

BrilliantPad Pro isn’t just a convenience tool. It’s a health safeguard that supports your puppies, your program, and your peace of mind.

Bottom line:
With parvo outbreaks climbing in 2025, every layer of protection counts. Vaccination and biosecurity are essential — and keeping the potty area clean can be the difference between an outbreak and a healthy litter.

For more proven biosecurity tips, watch our free webinarProtect Your Litter: Advanced Strategies for Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Preventing Parasites in the Whelping Pen and take your whelping pen hygiene to the next level.