Is it okay to bury a dead dog that had parvovirus?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – Our dog died of parvovirus. I know it is very contagious – but is it bad to bury a dog with it?

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Bethany H.

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You wrote asking if it is “safe” to bury a dog that died of parvovirus. As you may know, parvovirus is a very contagious virus. The concern is that if the virus can works its way through the soil. If you bury quite deep – it may be okay however I think that there is risk. My personal preference is that a dog with parvovirus not be buried – but instead be cremated.

An article that might be helpful to you is Parvoviral Enteritis (Parvo).

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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